Recommended Reviews

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  • 4.0 star rating
    8/9/2015
    1 check-in

    Solid. I think 4 stars is a bit generous, but I like a couple of the things they have going on enough. First off, the curry udon were very good, even if I did get them all over my clothes. Great curry flavor, not too spicy, and good lemongrass meatballs. I highly recommend backing those up with a side of the fries (split them, it's actually a big order), which come with a tasty shake-on seasoning and a really good curry mayo sauce. My fries came out WHITE hot, very very good. The prices are reasonable, the service is very fast, and they were quite friendly. I was kind of impressed at their ability to accommodate a 2 year old as well - they were ready to go with a hot dog option on a really nice house made roll with a side of french fries (which the 2 year old's parents and I ate with that curry mayo when the kid got full). Big plus for that - I don't know how many they go through, but I really don't expect a sort of hipster fusion place to be toddler friendly.

    Others reported very good tacos and other items (I want to say a sort of fusion gyro? I'm forgetting already) and everyone was satisfied for not a crazy amount of cash. If I'm in the area again (which is infrequent, unfortunately) I would hesitate to stop by.

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/11/2015

    Here's an example of how good food trumps everything else. We came on a Friday night around 8 pm and were happy to find that the restaurant wasn't too busy. We ordered a passion fruit lemonade, a belly dog, and a curry udon noodle. The passion fruit lemonade came in a carafe which was excellent, since you get a lot of it for three bucks. I was just expecting to get a glass of it, so good on them. The bad part is that it tasted nothing like passion fruit. It was super sour and felt like it came from a kids lemonade stand. That said, we couldn't stop drinking it! So just be aware that even though it says its passion fruit, its really just some good old fashioned lemonade.

    So after we got our lemonade we had to wait 27 minutes until our entrees came out. 27! For a place that wasn't busy you would think they'd have the food out to you in 15 minutes, max. 27 is an excruciatingly long time to wait for your noms. That being said, it was worth the wait.

    The belly dog isn't your classic hot dog, Its a hot GOD. They put fried egg noodles and pickled papaya on it with some spices that you've already read about here on yelp. But no one talks about the "bun". Its not a bun, its a thick slice of brioche or something. And its awesome. Perfectly toasted and soft on the inside, it was a nice surprise. A side of togarashi fries were welcome, since those are like four bucks on their own. The fries themselves are nothing special, just fries with some salt and spice. But the dipping sauce is really what takes it over the top. Its this kinda thai curry mayo that socks you in the mouth and then socks you again and again.

    Next, the curry udon. While the portion itself isn't very large, its large in flavor. A completely unique dish that has an Indonesian style curry with black beans, chicken, basil, and lemongrass. A lot of lemongrass. It just hits that line of almost too much lemongrass, but manages to stay under it. I've eaten a lot of udon noodles, and these were some of the best cooked noodles that I've ever had. Super thick and chewey and provided that bite you're looking for. Phenomenal dish.

    Even though both dishes are kinda small for $28 (with tip and a lemonade) and even though it took a half an hour to get our food, we would happily come back. Good food always wins, and this is a winner.

  • 2.0 star rating
    7/8/2015
    1 check-in

    Decor/cleanliness/environment: very clean and very spacious.  (1/1)
    Service: very quick. You just have to go and order at the cashier first. Then find your own table and the staff will deliver the food to you.  (1/1)
    Food:  I was kinda disappointed because my expectation was really high before I came in. My significant other and I ordered taco platter and belly dog. Taco platter is good but quantity is small. Belly dog tastes a bit weird. It is not that delicious as I expected to be.   (0/2)
    Cost: $$$ !!!! With that small portion, it's too pricey for me.  (0/1)

  • 4.0 star rating
    6/14/2015

    The hubby discovered this place awhile ago and we finally got to check it out for ourselves. We ordered the pork belly tacos and curry udon noodles as well as the tostones.

    The tacos were pretty good and I definitely recommend getting it with pork belly (the other options are ground chicken or tofu). Loved the addition of kimchi with the tacos and pork belly was very fatty- which is how it should be. Pretty good.

    The curry udon noodles were pretty good too. Udon noodles are my fave! Their thick noodles were spot on and the curry sauce was flavorful.

    The hubby greatly enjoyed the tostones which are mashed up plantains which are then fried and topped with this chimchurri sauce which gave it a nice sour and salty kick.

    Overall, an enjoyable lunch and I hope to go back to try out some other other dishes.

  • 3.0 star rating
    4/25/2015

    Eh.

    I had such high hopes for this place especially because of the great yelp reviews.

    We ordered the Belly Dog and my husband liked it. While the toppings were good (pickled papaya, egg noodles, and togarashi spiced fries) the actual hotdog wasn't anything special. I guess we were expecting a specialty wiener.

    I ordered the the taco platter which had three steak tacos. This is where the 3 star ratting comes from.

    The tacos were lukewarm when I got them and were complexly cold by the time I finished the first taco. The toppings were good and exciting since they aren't normally on tacos.

    However, they were very chewy; while eating one I couldn't bite it into smaller pieces and actually choked. Obviously I couldn't enjoy a meal after that.

    I like the fusion between the Latino and Asian flavors. The toppings were interesting and made for cool dishes. The beer menu is good The toppings were good and the lemonade was great.

    However, based on just this one visit (and the whole choking thing) I can't give it any higher ratings.

  • 5.0 star rating
    4/8/2015

    YUM! I love this place! I live nearby and am tempted almost everyday to stop here when I get off at the Western blue line stop from work.

    Every once in a while, I get a craving for a, erm, unhealthy I guess is the word, type of meal. But I don't want fast food cause, gross. A good sandwich with fries, washed away with beer. The Belly Shack is great for that. Get the Belly Dog with fries. It's so delicious and unique! A really good juicy hot dog, topped with egg noodles and pickled papaya. And that sauce is spicy and sweet. So good you will be thinking about it later. The fries are also awesome and come with a yummy curry mayo. They sell beer here too which is always a plus for small joints like this. And if you don't want a hot dog and fries, try the udon noodles cause those are good too!

  • 3.0 star rating
    4/3/2015
    1 check-in

    I went here for dinner w/ some friends on a Friday night. The restaurant was 3/4 packed and by the time we left, all the tables were full, so the place definitely gets a lot of traffic. I ordered:

    -Taco platter w/ Korean BBQ beef: this was a good dish. The tacos come deconstructed (w/ 5 tortillas), so you can make your tacos as big or as small as you'd like. The beef tastes like your standard KBBQ beef - nothing special here, but still good nonetheless.

    -Togarashi fries: these were pretty damn good. If you like salty (which I LOVE), then definitely get these fries. They're crunchy and have a generous amount of togarashi sprinkled on top. The curry mayo is awesome, too.

    -Soft serve: this was amazing! When we went, it was a vanilla soft serve that came w/ mangos and tapioca. The soft serve was creamier than your normal soft serve, which I think made the dessert even better.

    Note: one of my friends had the Curry Udon Noodle and said it was "meh" and that he felt like the ingredients were just "thrown together". I didn't try his curry udon noodles, but I trust his judgment.

    I should probably add that I'm from California, where we have a ton of food trucks and restaurants similar to Belly Shack, so the Belly Shack concept isn't new to me (which is probably why I wasn't blown away by this place). However, I can definitely see how someone trying this type of Asian fusion food for the 1st time would absolutely love it. If I were to come back, I'd want to try the Belly Dog and I would for sure order the togarashi fries and the soft serve again.

  • 5.0 star rating
    4/27/2015
    1 check-in

    Holy. Mother. Of. God.  This place was awesome.
    Party of 3, Sunday afternoon, 3pm.

    MUST orders:
    **CURRY UDON** this is NO ordinary udon.  it's not a soup.  it's perfectly cooked udon noodles bathing in a red lemongrass curry made with black bean, corn, and ground chicken.  so incredibly good.  

    **BELLY DOG** this is NO ordinary hot dog.  it's east coast styled bun - where you lop off half of loaf of bread and slice it down the middle to make a bun.  then jam a delicious beef hot dog in there with some crazy spicy-sweet sauce, and top it off with ramen-like noodles and pickled papaya.  served with a side of skinny fries dashed with spices and served with curry mayo.  

    Brussel sprouts: sautéed with balsamic and bacon
    Belly Burger: burger, fried onions, over easy egg and a chili sauce.  fresh tasty bun.  very good but not better than the curry udon or belly dog
    Passion fruit lemonade: fresh, tasty, refreshing

    It's right under the El tracks of the western blue line station - definitely worth finding.  Parking is street and can be terrible.  you can BYOB.

  • 4.0 star rating
    5/7/2015

    Finally went back to Belly Shack for the first time in over 3 years. I live pretty much across the street so it's a little embarrassing to even admit that, but I digress. Went in on a Tuesday evening at about 7pm. We were on our way home after landing at O'Hare and just wanted an easy take out dinner without having to resort to eating fast food. There were only 2 or 3 other people in at that time.

    I had the curry udon noodle which was delicious and I can't wait to have again. My husband had the belly dog, which was even better than I remembered. The togarashi fries were perfectly spiced and especially good with the dipping sauce. Our friend had the beef taco platter, which I was happy to see they packaged the toppings and corn tortillas separately.  

    Prices were average and our bill for 3 people was just under $40. As always, the Belly restaurants don't disappoint. I will say, though, that as much as I like it, I probably wouldn't go out of my way to come here.  

    Only bummer was they wouldn't let us use one of our "a la card Chicago" cards. The rules state they are for dine-in only, but does that really matter at a place with no waiter service? We'll just have to make our way back again before the end of the year.

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/6/2015

    The best and weirdest hot dog I've ever had!!! So delicious, and the whole time I was like "what am I eating right now??"

    Cherry blossom green iced tea was delicious too.

  • 4.0 star rating
    4/4/2015
    1 check-in

    I was surprised to see this place was half empty--no, half full--on a Friday night at 7:30 but we were able to walk right up to the counter and place our orders. Started with the sake margarita. Even though the mix tasted like it was store bought/from a bottle, the sake in there made it interesting. It wasn't very strong, but I'd order it again just for the novelty. I got the lettuce wraps with chicken, and shared the Brussels sprouts with my boyf, who ordered the beef taco platter. Both the lettuce wraps and tacos are deconstructed which can be good if you're a picky eater and bad if you're lazy. We agreed we would've liked more spice to the meats. Both are sort of small portions. The Brussels sprouts were heavy on the bacon which is always a great thing. My friends had the soft serve and pretty much inhaled it, so I want to try it if I ever go back!

  • 2.0 star rating
    5/24/2015

    Ate the burger and split the hot dog. Both were huge let downs based on the reviews.

    Essentially too much Asian fusion going on and the overdose of whatever sauce they put on didn't help.

    To put you in my shoes, I'm now eating Tums to settle my stomache and immediately taking out my trash to remove the weird stench that is now lingering in my home.

    Fortunately its Memorial Day weekend so
    I can spend my Monday in the bathroom instead of the office. Good for me.

  • 4.0 star rating
    10/17/2014
    1 check-in

    We found this restaurant right off of the Western stop of the Blue Line. We were hungry from our plane ride and I just wanted to explore to find something new. Talking to a pleasant lady in the train who told us to go to this taco joint off of Western, but we had to take the bus, and needed to eat right away.

    We stumbled upon the Belly Shack and we can't wait to come back. The belly dog is yummy. However, we didn't have enough noodles in our hot dog. I wish that I did because it would have a little more texture to put it close to perfect.

    The tinto is only okay. I guess, I drink too much to even get a buzz off of it. The aftertaste is a little odd like it has aspartame in it. . Usually, the blood orange soda I'll drink is Pellegrino. I guess, it must have been an additive.

    The vanilla soft serve with caramel was really delicious!! The server was so nice, she gave me an extra spoon just in case I wanted to taste it. Great idea.
    Also, the restroom was clean. Yeah!

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    10/20/2014 Rosie,

    Thanks for your review! I'm really happy to hear that you were able to join us and enjoy a…
    Read more
  • 2.0 star rating
    7/20/2015

    I see what you guys are trying to do here. Maybe when you first opened, you were trying really hard to get people in the door, build up some street creed, do something different. I get it. But I had what I can only describe as the worst burger of my life here this past weekend. Like, inedibly bad. It was way overcooked (like, chewy) and not seasoned properly at all. I ate the fries, which were fine. The lemongrass chicken gyro was slightly better, but overall also pretty disappointing. Really too bad.

  • 3.0 star rating
    6/17/2015

    I've eaten at Belly Shack on multiple occasions. Their food is normally pretty tasty, albeit super greasy. I was a big fan of their old menu -- not so much of their new menu.

    Wait time is always much longer than you'd expect. I just waited over 15 minutes for just an order of tostones. Please, please let me know if there is going to be a long wait. I don't want to waste the majority of my lunch hour waiting for my lunch.

  • 1.0 star rating
    12/25/2014
    1 check-in

    I ordered the tostones and chimichiurri sauce. Really enjoyed it while I was eating it. Crunchy and fried to perfection. I didn't enjoy the sauce though. It was too acidic. Perhaps an aioli would have made a better pairing.

    Um... and then... it hit me. I think I got food poisoning from this... I'm rather positive actually. I crawled up in fetal position for the rest of the evening. Thank God there's Tums.

    I don't think the initial gratification is worth the pain that follows.

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    12/30/2014 Cindy,

    I'm sorry to hear that you weren't feeling well. Please contact me directly at …
    Read more
  • 3.0 star rating
    3/1/2015
    1 check-in

    Came to eat here the other evening with my family and, I swear we ordered everything on the menu.  Hats off to the passion fruit lemonade - ah-mazing.  We had:
    - Taco platter, which satisfied my 12 yo nephew, but was a little bland.
    - Wheat Berry Bowl - interesting, but the grain was a little too tough, I thought
    - Tostones - absolutely out of this world.  The chimichurri sauce was soooo good and fresh
    - Vegetarian Ramen - tasty, nothing to write home about
    - Hot & Sour tortilla soup - yummy, but aside from the hominy was a lot like every other tortilla soup I have ever had.

    The girls who worked the counter were polite but not over engaging and it irked me a little that they did a "last call" right at 9.  They should have waited until we were going.  If not for that, I would have rated this place a 4, but it's the little things.

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/26/2015

    What can I say about Belly Shack?

    Causal
    Fast
    Clean
    Good

    My friend and I were out in the city for a girls day/night. I randomly pulled up yelp and started searching for a place for dinner. Both of us didn't quite know what we wanted to consume but we had a general idea the food had to be unique. Belly Shack caught our eyes.

    We ordered two meals for the sharing and two drinks.

    Belly Dog: big enough to share and hit the spot without being overwhelmed. At first I was bit hesitant due to the fact I DO NOT EAT HOT DOGS. If and when I do there are specific requirements the dog needs to hit. The hot dog used for the Belly Dog was quite tasty and juicy. The overall taste to the Belly Dog was sweet, spicy enough for me not to chug down water, and slightly salty. The best part of the belly dog was the bun. The fact it held in all the ingredients stuffed on top of, the bun was a bit sweet and equally toasted & soft (the perfect combo). The bun brought together the whole taste, which I love as did my friend. The fries and dipping sauce were good.

    Lemongrass Chicken Gyro: The gyro was supposedly a special that day. I enjoyed the meal except I could do without the slices of the chicken gyro. I understand the Belly Shack was going towards the healthy gyro but a gyro is not a gyro without the greasiness. I would order the item again, don't get me wrong but I wish the slices of gyros was grilled or something that gave it some texture to the overall sandwich. My friend and I replaced the fries with plantain chips. Big mistake. We should have kept the fries. The plantain were not special.

    Passion Fruit Lemonade: I hate, hate passion fruit especially the flavor in drinks. Passion fruit always takes fake and sugary. BUT THE PASSION FRUIT LEMONADE WAS DELIGHTFUL and REFRESHING. The passion fruit gave the drink a bit of something-something.

    Sake Margarita: There was a third word but I don't remember it. After a few sips I cared less about the drink (didn't help the passion fruit lemonade tasted a lot better). The combination of the food and the margarita just didn't click with me. I don't know if anyone else had that issue but I did. I knew I should have finished the margarita before eating.

    The service was quick for us. The female working the cashier was friendly and nice. She awkwardly stood at the counter waiting for us to make our decision. The price matched the quality of the food, always a plus. The ambience was clean and nice. The background music was indeed background. As for the design, I enjoyed looking at the decor. It fit with the food in my opinion.

    Would go back for the belly dog and the passion fruit lemonade.

  • 3.0 star rating
    5/29/2015

    This is one of those places that is cool just cuz it's trying to be neat and unique with its decor. Not because the food is exceptionally well.

    The food IS good but not really at the price.

  • 5.0 star rating
    4/17/2015
    Listed in Walking Distance!

    The Jibarito
    Belly Dog
    Tostones
    Togarashi Fries
    Brussels Sprouts
    Curry Udon Noodle
    Lettuce Wraps
    Taco Plattter

    These are some of my favorite things in the entire city (and that means in the entire world; no place has food as good as Chicago. No. Place.) This place raises the bar.

    Too bad it's only BYO on Sundays now :(

  • 5.0 star rating
    5/28/2015

    I got the pork belly banh mi and my sister got the half chicken entree. We shared the special soft serve (vanilla soft serve, key lime drizzle, graham cracker bits, and coconut tapioca).

    The pork belly banh mi came with these amazing plantain chips. Super good and not that expensive (under $10). The half chicken entree was a little on the salty side but came with this really good rice that sopped up all the spices!

    The special soft serve was incredible - highly recommend. Perfect for sharing!

    Plus was the music was awesome. They played everything from Jimmy Eat World to Journey!!

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/2/2015
    1 check-in

    I've passed by this place (literally) hundreds of times and just stopped in to check it out. This place is amazing!

    We had their burger which was the daily special. This is a sad thing because it was the BEST. BURGER. EVER. From the bread, to the crunch, to the egg (I usually don't like that) this was a game changer.

    I'm still sitting here but had to write this so I wouldn't miss any of the details of this meal. A true testament to how good this place is.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/13/2015 Updated review

    This has become a favorite for us - even now with kids. Love the togarashi fries with curry mayo, and the tostones. the pork belly bahn mi is delicious, and my 2yo son loves the chicken and chorizo rice. I'm sad the boricua is gone, but always enjoy and look forward to what they have next.

    4.0 star rating
    4/19/2010 Previous review
    My husband and I stumbled upon this place and he remembered that the chef has Celiac so we stopped… Read more
  • 1.0 star rating
    12/6/2014

    What in the world?!?!?! 4 stars 700 reviews?! Did something go wrong when I came in or something?!

    The food was terrible! It was SO FREAKING BLAND. We could have cooked at home instead.

    Got the curry with pork, hot dog, and quinoa salad of some sort. And it was $30 for all of it. I'm never coming back!

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    12/8/2014 Linh,

    I am sorry to hear about your experience, this does not sound like the norm. At your earliest…
    Read more
  • 5.0 star rating
    9/30/2014

    LOVE Belly Shack! Our friends live right down the block from Belly Shack and it is a favorite of ours whenever we go.

    The vibe in the restaurant is causal and hip and the Korean / Puerto Rican fusion is an incredible combo.

    I'm sad they got rid of their Brussel Sprouts side dish... we had that last year and it was bomb! Any of their pork dishes are awesome and I recently fell in love with their Veggie Burrito. It is a perfect size (not too big) and the carrot ginger sauce it comes with is mind blowing. Belly Shack also had some fab looking desserts, although I haven't dabbled in their desserts yet.... until next time!

    Prices here are great too! Overall, a fantastic and addicting spot!

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    10/1/2014 Meg,

    I appreciate you taking the time to leave a review. I'm really glad to hear that we are one of…
    Read more
  • 5.0 star rating
    5/12/2015

    Get the fries, the jibarito sandwich, the hominy soup and the roasted chicken. Everything is so yummy and flavorful, you cant go wrong. My fave combo are jibarito sandwich and fries with dipping sauce.

    I love the fusion of flavors.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/11/2014

    This is how you Belly Shack properly:

    + Belly Dog (because it's a hot dog with pickled green papaya and NOODLES on it. I mean, come on.)
    + Kimchi Potato Salad (two of the best things on the planet together? This is a no brainer).
    + Togarashi Spiced Fries with Curry Mayo (you already get some fries with your Belly Dog, but can you really say no to more? Togarashi spiced! Curry mayo! Flavor party! You're invited!)
    + Lemonade of the Day (I adore lemonade and they have fun flavors! Last time, it was passionfruit. Passionfruit flavored everything is a dream. You get a tiny little pitcher of it too. Super cute!)
    + Huckleberry Lime Soft Serve (cold and creamy and tart and refreshing. No better way to polish off a slightly indulgent meal.)

    Some more deets:
    - Located under the Western Blue line
    - It is casual quick-serve. Order at the counter, grab a number, go get your own water, etc (BUT YOU GOT LEMONADE, REMEMBER?), and sit down. They'll bring your food out to you.
    - They also deliver, for you lucky ducks that live in their delivery zone.
    - Don't try to go on Monday.
    - Everything else on the menu is delicious, but I can never pass up a hot dog with noodles on it.

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    7/11/2014 Yanyao,

    Thank you for your detailed review of your favorite menu items! I appreciate you taking the…
    Read more
  • 3.0 star rating
    6/11/2015

    My first time at belly shack, I ordered beef boricua of the daily special, it was pretty good. It's not that big portion or size. I also ordered a passion fruit lemonade which was very good. I'm just a little disappointed that I had to pay more then $10 for my food. I only bought for myself. I may come back. But I would recommend this place to my friends.

  • 2.0 star rating
    7/7/2014
    1 check-in

    The restaurant is located beneath the Western L stop on the Blue Line, which is pretty cool. It's very urban, and the inside decor matches very well with that theme.

    The menu is pretty small, so there isn't really much to choose from. It's a bit underwhelming...

    We ordered:

    Asian Pork Meatball sandwich: stuffed with Somen noodles, Korean chili paste and mint. I don't know what was going on with this sandwich. The somen noodles don't make any sense with it, nor does it necessarily complement the flavors or the textures of the sandwich. The meatballs were just OK, and the sauce was maybe a little too sweet. I did not appreciate the mint with this, either. I just don't know if all the flavors are incorporated to balance each other out in this dish.

    Korean BBQ Beef: with kimchi, ssam paste and scallions; served with flat bread. This dish was pretty good. I just feel like I could make something like this at home, a little more fitting to my taste buds.

    I think I shouldn't get my hopes up too much for this kind of fusion food. I'm almost always disappointed...Sorry, I really did try...

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    7/7/2014 Tina,

    Thanks for your feedback. I'm glad you enjoyed the decor and the Korean BBQ Beef. We hope…
    Read more
  • 5.0 star rating
    7/26/2015

    Wow. I was really impressed by the food here. Menu Is small, but I think that must be how they do the items they do so well. Can't wait to try more items next week here- definitely coming back! I also can't wait to recommend it to vegetarian friends because their vegetarian options are fantastic. Well done!

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/4/2014
    1 check-in

    Great Asian fusion!

    There's a variety of Asian fusion in Chicago area from low-end to high-end. And this is definitely one of the must-have.

    Belly Shack has interesting decor. It is really fitting for it's location underneath the blue line El.

    I ordered the Toragashi fries with the Pork Meatball Sandwich. The meatball was really good and topped with noodles. The fries are seasoned with a bit of chili powder and included a sweet mustard dipping sauce, and is salty and sweet combination. The meal is filling and satisfying.

    Belly Shack is in a great location, accessible by El, and the area around has a lot of street parking.

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    7/7/2014 Christine,

    Thanks for taking the time to review and recommend Belly Shack! I'm really happy to hear…
    Read more
  • 4.0 star rating
    1/31/2015

    I can't believe I waited so long to eat here. Absolutely delicious food, from appetizers to main course to desserts, even their drinks are amazing! We ordered tostones, togarashi fries, hot and sour soup, curry udon noodles, chicken taco platter and roasted chicken! ALL of them were so delightful and bursting with flavors! Their donuts are a must, as well as, their cold coffee!! Loved this place and will visit again!!

  • 4.0 star rating
    1/29/2015
    1 check-in

    I'm going to get the bad out of the way first on this review.   The Yuzu margarita was just barely drinkable. I didn't like it much at all. Far too acidic and not well balanced.   Other than that the actual food was great.  I had no idea what I should order so I ended up deciding on the togarashi fries. They were really tasty and a little bit spicy.   I also enjoyed the brussel sprouts that did that played into those classic combination of salt from the bacon with an Asian flare from the soy sauce.  The balsamic brought a nice acid as well.  As far as my entree goes, I ended up ordering a sandwich that I remember being OK but honestly can't recall any other details about it.  There were lots of things on the menu that I was interested in trying, but my aversion to kimchi kept me away.  All things considered it was a good place for a quick meal.

  • 2.0 star rating
    3/11/2015

    So first of all, this review is only for the lechon ramen.

    Obviously, this is not a traditional Japanese ramen. Definitely some Latin inspired flavors going on here. It's pretty much ramen noodles in a pork broth, thin slices of pork (think like cheesesteak thin) cubes of salami, scallions, and crispy tortilla strips. (Also there were like 2 random pieces of broccoli or broccolini stalk in there? Didn't know if that was intentional..)

    Noodles- Overcooked. Okay, so this bowl of ramen was at a whopping $13 + tax, which came out to nearly $15. I feel like once you enter the $15/bowl price range, you cannot afford to overcook the noodles! They better be perfect! Even though it is a fairly decorated dish with a lot of flavors going on, the noodles are the main component that helps the other ingredients come out. If the noodles are soft and falling apart, the dish is does not work.

    Broth- rich, ideal viscosity, not too thick, not too thin, and this is a mark that a lot of Chicago ramen joints fail to hit. I would imagine it had a nice strong pork flavor, but the broth was very much overpowered by the salami taste, which had a strong sweetness to it, and also a slightly dirty pork flavor. But about the sweetness, I understand that this is a fusion dish, so it's okay to veer from the traditional Japanese pork broth. My issue is that the flavors should stay within the salty realm and not have any sort of sweetness. Because it is a rich, fatty pork base, it matches better with saltiness. Sweet flavors don't complement it and often make me feel a little sick.

    Pork&Salami- this is a very meaty ramen. I will give props to the thin pork slices, especially because they were very well cooked, and a good variation of the Japanese pork belly. It worked really because they were lean slices of meat that were cooked long enough so that they melted in your mouth.

    The salami I felt was excessive and obtrusive. There was quite a bit of pork slices already, and adding salami on that was just too much meat, especially considering that, other than the small sprinkling of scallions, there were no vegetables. 2 different kinds of pork in a pork broth is not what I'm looking for. Also, like I said before, the flavor of the salami was sweet and strange, which flavored the entire dish in a distasteful way.

    Tortilla strips were a nice touch. Thin, perfectly crispy, added a nice texture to the dish.

    Seems like a cool restaurant, but I'm not in love with the ramen, especially with its $15 price tag. Especially because it's such an overly-trendy item in the city right now. Belly Shack seems like it has some creativity that other Asian/fusion spots in the city are lacking. I would like to see them do something a little more unique, and sets them apart from what the others are all doing.

  • 3.0 star rating
    3/22/2015

    I've read other reviews saying the food was very bland. My boyfriend and I ordered two different dishes and both were very flavorful. You can definitely taste the different influences in the dishes.

    The only complaint was the size of the orders were much smaller than expected. Two orders were $27 and each order came in about half of the take out box they were placed in. We could've gotten more of our money's worth near the same location.

  • 5.0 star rating
    9/20/2014
    3 check-ins

    So this is my second time here and the last time was easily 2 yrs ago but I've been craving to return for a long time. Now is the time to test whether they're as good as my memory keeps telling me they are!

    First off the Tostones side dish with chimichurri sauce. Yup, first point to my memory. They're crispy, tangy, bursting with flavour and probably way too much for me to eat alone. Good thing I like a challenge!

    Main course I chose the Korean BBQ beef with kimchi and steamed buns. Good solid kimchi that I'm not sure is store bought or made in house but really good nevertheless. The beef though is the center piece of this meal and could stand happily on it's own. Juicy, extremely well marinated and the Korean BBQ flavour will coat the inside of your mouth well after you're done swallowing. However, it's always a shame to leave behind the residual sauce/gravy on the plate when you know it tastes so darn good. Viola, steamed buns!! The chef who put this dish together knows what he's doing. I admit without guilt that I mopped up every last bit of sauce with the buns and returned an extremely clean plate to the kitchen :)

    I know it's lunch time but a great balancer to the meal was the sake-margarita, how could I resist!

    Overall the decor is simple but cool, they don't pretend towards fancy service or interiors and that accents the great food more than anything else. Would I come here again, been there, done that...and probably gonna do it again!!

    Gonna walk away now, listening to my memory saying "I toooold you so!!"

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    9/22/2014 Naveen,

    Thank you for taking the time to leave a review! I'm so glad to hear that you've been able…
    Read more
  • 4.0 star rating
    3/7/2015

    Great food. Literally some of the better fresher tasting food I had while in Chicago and it was cheaper then all the others as well. Really enjoyed it. I had a scallop dish with polenta, other people had chicken and rice and the taco dish and they all raved about it!

  • 4.0 star rating
    12/30/2014
    1 check-in

    Thought it was very good all the way around.  A little on the sweet side for me which is fine it is Korean but wasn't so in love with brown rice bowl and all the dark meat.  Fries, those cheese egg rolls and the chicken noodle were excellent and I had them for takeout.  Also downloaded the app and it gave me $5 off bill.  Give it a try I will again

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    1/4/2015 Kyle,

    Thanks for leaving a review of your visit! I'm glad you were able to join our Urbanbelly…
    Read more
  • 5.0 star rating
    1/18/2015

    Interesting combinations of asian and american foods. I have been twice and not been disappointed. If you're looking for some flair and flavor Belly Shack can definitely offer that.

    Also above all try the custard.

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    1/18/2015 Joshua,

    Thank you for leaving a review of your visit! I appreciate you taking the time to recommend…
    Read more
  • 5.0 star rating
    12/21/2014

    This was one tasty meal! We stopped in on a wednesday night for dinner and quickly ordered and got a seat. We had the bacon brussel sprouts, plantain chips, and kimchi/beef plate. Each item was a nicely sized portion with so much flavor. The prices weren't bad for the quality and I will definitely be back.

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    12/30/2014 Brett,

    Thanks for your review! I'm glad you were able to come in and enjoy several different menu…
    Read more
Belly Shack - 227 Photos - Latin American - Logan Square - Chicago, IL - Reviews - Menu - Yelp
 

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  • 4.0 star rating
    6/19/2014

    It's cool place and the menu seemed innovative.  But the service and food are just average.

    Best thing my cousin and I tried was the fries with curry sauce! If you come here and you don't get it, you're a fool. It is the ONLY reason I gave this review 4 stars.

    Everything else was just meh. I had the Korean bbq beef. Didn't love that I had to make my own little sandwhich using tiny little pita pockets and the beef was a super chewy. The hot dog with noodles was good, but probably wouldn't order it again. The tostones were good but I wasn't crazy about them!

    Probably won't be back. But I'd recommend the fries with curry sauce to everyone!

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    6/20/2014 Marilynn,

    Thanks for taking the time to give us your feedback. The Togarashi Spiced Fries are one of…
    Read more
  • 5.0 star rating
    12/19/2014

    I went here for lunch yesterday and had the daily special which was a roasted pork bowl with a coconut rice. It was delicious! My friend had the meatball sandwich and she said it was amazing. They have a pretty good beer selection and the decor is very cozy.

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    12/19/2014 Kat,

    Thanks for leaving a review of your visit! I'm glad you decided to try the special, that is one…
    Read more
  • 3.0 star rating
    3/8/2015

    Food tasted great and the service was spot on. The portions are pretty small though, so if your appetite is pretty large a different place would probably work better.

    If you're looking for a place to grab a beer and have some fantastic food while you relax, this is a great spot.

  • 4.0 star rating
    6/16/2014
    1 check-in

    Asian fusion in a casually trendy setting. Entrees are around $10. Though it's a very short menu, I appreciate that each item is unique and tasty, too. I've tried all of the entrees and you can't really go wrong with any one of them. Be warned that portions are probably small for men of all shapes and sizes. Also, they kinda skimp on the good stuff (meat). For instance, the meatball sandwich is stuffed full of noodles with maybe 5-6 small meatballs; be prepared to carb-load if you order said sandwich. The Togarashi fries are a must. It's sprinkled with the most magical concoction of powders and served alongside an amazing dipping sauce. I only wish I had the recipe!

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    6/17/2014 Sara,

    Thanks for leaving a review. We love to hear from our fans and read about your favorite menu…
    Read more
  • 5.0 star rating
    3/3/2015

    YUM. I think that's the best word to describe this place - they have a smaller menu but everything I have tried on it has been excellent. They have vegetarian and meat options, which I appreciate. The dishes are creative and combine Asian and Latin American cuisine - really cool.

    It is casual: you order at the counter, they give you a number, and then they bring you the food. It is a small place, so if you come on a Friday or Saturday night you might have to wait a bit to sit down. It is BYOB and a great place to get a casual dinner with friends.

  • 4.0 star rating
    4/25/2015

    Fun and interesting place with a very chill, casual vibe. I love their selection of sodas and beers as well as the rotating specials. The Boricua sandwich is great and I really love the tostones and kimchi.

  • 4.0 star rating
    2/8/2015
    2 check-ins

    Last night we waited a long time for our food. Granted the place was packed but how long does it take to make a Belly Dog?

    When we did get our food, it was wonderful. Great flavors.  A bit chincy on the portions with the taco platter but the Belly Dog was very filling.  

    They changed their menu and got rid of their Korean jibarito!!!! I'm sooooooooo sad about that !!!! I hope it returns to their menu!

  • 3.0 star rating
    8/2/2014

    You know, I absolutely loved this place when I first went, and to be fair, the food maintains it's absolute awesomeness. It's unfortunately the service that kinda stinks. I'm not sure how the kitchen is run, but often my friends and I will all get our food at crazy different intervals with bits and pieces of the meal rolling in over the course of a 20 minute period. There have been multiple occasions now when one person will be sitting with no food while everyone else has everything they've order. That's disappointing. Another time, we waited at the counter for ten minutes, ready to order (it was literally just us in the restaurant), while the cashier chatted with a pal. When my brother asked politely if we could order, the cashier gave him a nasty look, finished her conversation, and THEN (another two minutes later) took our order. Rude!

    The food however is always delicious. I'm obsessed with the plaintain chips in chimmychurry sauce (Tostones), and the BBQ is always glorious. Definitely check it out if you want some tasty, uniquely flavored Korean-Cuban fusion food, but be prepared for a possibly weird service experience.

    Pro tip: BYOB!

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    8/4/2014 Molly,

    Thanks for giving us your feedback. While I'm happy to hear that you enjoy the different menu…
    Read more
  • 2.0 star rating
    2/22/2015

    Please bring your old menu back ! I'm disappointed that jebaritos are gone. That's my fav on your menu. Also, the Brussel  sprouts .
    I used to be your regular customer but after you change the menu, only been there twice .

  • 4.0 star rating
    5/17/2014

    In a world that's getting ever more crowded with Asian Fusion places,  Belly Shack stands out.  Modern decor, good service and really good food makes this joint a keeper.  The Belly Dog, Fries, and fusion dipping sauce (creamy, with curry notes and some heat) is something to behold.   Thumbs up on the Ssam, too.   The pork meatball sandwich didn't do it for me ( I detected fish sauce, which doesn't work for my palate).  
    If only I didn't have to schlep out to Western and Milwaukee...

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    5/19/2014 Richard,

    Thanks for leaving a review! I'm glad you were able to make it in to try out our menu while…
    Read more
  • 2.0 star rating
    2/5/2015

    If I had written this review a year ago - or even 3 months ago - I would have given it 5 stars.  Belly Shack had always been one of my favorite places for a quick, satisfying meal beneath the tracks...  It was one of the few places that made my list of recommendations to friends and visitors. (My all-time favorite sammy - the Boricua plantain sandwich - so unique and flavorful!  The brown rice bowl a close second....)

    Anyway - I visited again recently, excited to consume one of my favorites.  That was - until I realized we faced an entirely new menu.  We tried several items (wheat berry bowl, tacos and blackened cauliflower), and while the food was good, it didn't meet our expectations or satisfy our cravings in the least.

    I'm all for adding new items to freshen things up, but when you've got a solid menu, it's not a great idea to spring a complete overhaul on loyal customers, but that's just my two cents.

    Needless to say, we won't be racing back any time soon unless they bring back some of the old staples.  Thumbs down. :0(

  • 4.0 star rating
    1/11/2015

    The fusion of Asian and Latin cuisine in Belly Shack was very well done. The Belly dog was amazing, crunchy, sassy and has bite. No matter how amazing the dog is, the Togarashi fries taste even better. Fries with Togarashi blends perfectly with the curry mustard sauce that was included. The Korean BBQ Beef was tender and flavorful and the hot buns compliment the richness of the beef perfectly. The price is a little expensive for my taste but the food was great. I could still taste the flavors in my mouth.

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    1/12/2015 Andrew,

    Thank you for your review; the Belly Dog with Togarashi Spiced Fries is one of my favorite…
    Read more
  • 5.0 star rating
    9/26/2014

    I'm a huge Bill Kim fan, as his homemade Kimchi makes me all warm inside! Haha
    I actually live down the street from Belly Shack, and somehow I'm not there enough.
    I love everything in this place especially the ice cream with bacon (yes they serve ice cream with bacon on top & it's delish, but it's only seasonal).

    I urge you to try Belly Shack ASAP! In fact, I need to take myself there ASAP also!

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    9/26/2014 Reyna,

    Thanks for taking the time to leave a review! We enjoy having you as a regular, and look…
    Read more
  • 5.0 star rating
    5/4/2015

    Holy amazing! The Belly Burger was heaven on earth. It was a burger, fried onions, over easy egg and a chili sauce. The bun wasn't your regular bun and I'm not sure sure what heavenly bread they used but it was fresh and warm and delicious. I came here by myself and if anyone say me vacuum style devour this burger they would have thought I hadn't eaten in months. That's how good it was.

  • 4.0 star rating
    4/14/2015

    They changed out their menu and Im pleased to report the lechon ramen is good.  Been looking for a reliable place around the hood to get ramen you can do pickup. Found it. I'm a happy camper

  • 4.0 star rating
    4/12/2015

    Mmmm...belly dog and togarashi fries. So delish. Let's not forget their tostones. Only reason it's 4 stars instead of 5 is because I've always said it's a little pricey. However, every so often you just ha e to give into temptation.

  • 3.0 star rating
    2/25/2014
    1 check-in

    Came here on a Sunday for lunch. Heard a lot about it from friends but that may be bad since my expectations were pretty high then.  First walking in, the atmosphere is pretty cool.  The design of the place, with it's stools and community table in the middle are pretty neat. You could either order at the counter or sit down and they'll bring a menu out to you.

    So the gf and I got the Korean BBQ Beef, a Belly Dog, and Togarashi Spiced Fries. I didn't know the Belly Dog came with the fries, I'm not too good at reading and paying attention to details, but we had so many fries, I wish the lady would have mentioned that. My mistake though, can't fault them for that. Korean BBQ Beef I really wanted to like but I couldn't get myself to like it to be honest. Comparing it to other beef bulgogi's, it just wasn't up there on my list. The Belly Dog was pretty good. I liked how it was a big hot dog and not just the usual small ones that some places just buy in bulk.  Egg noodles and the papaya added good flavor to it.  In reality though, it's just a hot dog with stuff thrown on it.

    Togarashi fries were alright. Seemed like it was just generic fries covered in seasoning. It was good seasoning though, pretty spicy. I'm not a curry fan so I didn't really care for the curry mayo. Overall the place is alright, I'll have to try something different though if I ever go back.

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    2/27/2014 Thomas,

    Thanks for taking the time to give us your feedback. I'm glad you were able to try out…
    Read more
  • 4.0 star rating
    1/22/2014
    1 check-in

    Korean fusion is quite the craze but Belly Shack takes it to a new level.

    There's nothing new about Korean cuisine but the combinations on the menu are unique and creative. The Belly Dog was topped with a slaw with Korean flavors and a spicy mayo with a pita like bread instead of a bun. It was $9 but it also came with an order of their togarashi fries with a curry mayo. The combination was awesome and I would order it again for sure.

    The boricua would be the love child of a Puerto Rican father and a Korean mother. It's basically a jibarito with fried plantains, bulgogi (Korean marinated beef), rice, and gochujang (Korean red pepper paste) - another delicious combination of taking an Asian twist on a Chicago original.

    Belly Shack isn't your typical Korean taco joint but it's definitely a Mecca for Asian fusion. Rub my belly for good luck because I just had Belly Shack.

  • 4.0 star rating
    10/1/2014
    1 check-in

    Located literally right under the train tracks parking sucks. This spots different, the dark metallic grey tone was a little different  for a spot like this but whatever. I got the belly dog, the flavors were great but I didn't like how the bun was so big. The meat to bread ratio was ridiculous. The tostones were very flavorful as well. These Asian fusion flavors work and I deff will be back for more.

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    10/2/2014 Lorenzo,

    Thanks for taking the time to share your feedback with us. I'm really glad you enjoyed the…
    Read more
  • 3.0 star rating
    3/12/2014

    Am I missing something here?  I've been to Belly Shack a couple times and have not been blown away like a lot of folks that have reviewed this spot.

    I've sampled the Belly Dog, Meatball Sandwich and Organic Brown Rice with Tofu.  Although nothing has been terrible, it hasn't been great either.

    One thing I absolutely love is the Togarashi Spiced Fries.  They are perfectly crisp with a hint of heat.

    I'll stick with Urban Belly and Belly Q.

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    3/24/2014 Monica,

    I'm sorry to hear you didn't enjoy some of the dishes that you have tried, and I will be…
    Read more
  • 2.0 star rating
    5/20/2013

    WHAT'S THAT RUMBLING?

    At first I thought it was my Belly but then realized we were under the EL tracks or maybe it was both.

    I am a big fan of customer service and I was not a fan of the front of the house here. The girl at the front counter looked like she hated it here. Her negative vibe was so not taking me to a happy place. How was I suppose to be happy? Doesn't she realize I've been dreaming of this visit for months? She was a complete Debbie Downer.

    The first thing I didn't like was that she read the special sandwich off of a dirty post it note. It was a Burger and did not seem that complicated. It was almost 6pm. Couldn't she had memorized it by now? She also read it with no passion. I couldn't even tell you what was on it 2 seconds, after she was done reading the post it note. Again sell me the special and make me want it.

    The second thing I didn't like was the attitude I got when I asked for no mint on my sandwich.  She looked at me in a snotty voice and said, "We don't make any modifications!" I was a little shocked at how abrupt her delivery was.  Maybe a "I'm sorry" would have sounded better.

    I also didn't like the fact that the kitchen couldn't just not add mint to the top of my sandwich.  That seems a little arrogant.  What if I was allergic to mint?  I can understand many kitchens do not want to deal with special orders because it slows down the kitchen. But it was 5:30pm and we were the only people in here ordering food. The restaurant was empty.  Would it be that hard to just hold the mint?
    Apparently yes according to Debbie Downer.

    I was so torn. Part of me wanted to just walk out with the unhappy attitude at the front counter but my desire to try the Asian Pork Meatball Sandwich kept me from walking. I was so close to my tasting my dream.

    I decided to try and keep moving forward and placed my order for the #3 Asian Pork Meatball Sandwich stuffed with Somen Noodles, Korean Chili Paste & Mint. Yes I was getting mint no matter what.

    I sat and waited.  I noticed the black egg shell sound proofing on the ceiling put in place to keep the sounds of the EL quiet.  It really didn't work but an A for effort.

    My sandwich finally arrived and delivered by Debbie Downer. I was a little torn. First I was happy to finally try this sandwich.  The pork meatballs were delicious. In fact, I would be happy with just a bowl of these pork balls. The bread was tasty and toasted perfectly. I did have to use a fork to remove all of the mint from the top of my sandwich.  The Somen noodles were cold. Are they suppose to be cold? It was kind of a weird combination between the hot and the cold. I also loved the Korean Chili paste but there was not a lot of it on there. I could have used some more but I was too afraid to even talk to Debbie Downer at the front counter.  I just heard her yelling at me and saying, "No extra sauce for you.  Didn't you hear me the first time? No modifications!"  In fact, it would have been nice if some of the sauces were available on the table or at the water bar.  

    So how do I rate this place.  I'm so torn because I want to put up a 2 Stars.  The meatballs were 4 stars but the front counter was 0 stars. I really have no idea which way to go.  I do know that I am glad I tried the sandwich.  The meatballs were amazing but the sandwich could have used a little more help.

    Would I come back? Probably not.  The meatballs were good but I did not find myself craving them an hour later.  My goal was to try this sandwich and now my Belly Shack experience is complete.

    I do recommend you try this place and see what everyone is raving about.  I just hope you find a happier front counter person because the first face in a restaurant should be a pleasant one and not Debbie Downer.

  • 3.0 star rating
    8/24/2014

    I have to say, considering the raves over this place, I found it only slightly above average. The food is pretty good, but nothing to write home about. It's also a little expensive for the quality/quantity. We've been back a few times to try different dishes. The only one that I found impressive was the hot dog.

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    8/25/2014 Katie,

    Thank you for taking the time to give us your feedback. I'm glad you've been able to enjoy a…
    Read more
  • 4.0 star rating
    1/14/2015

    Went to this place last night with my boyfriend, who adores the food.  He insisted we get the fries and the brussel sprouts. As much as I hate to admit it, he was correct in his picks.  The curry sauce that came with the fries was to die for, the fries were seasoned so perfectly, the brussel sprouts were tender and the bacon crispy! So, for sure get the sides when you come here.  He had the meatball sandwich which he loved and I had the boricua sandwich.  It is not a pick up and eat sandwich, break out the knife and fork for this one.  Also, get extra miso sauce on the side! It's the perfect accompaniment.  This place is also BYOB, which I will remember for next time! Cheers!

  • 2.0 star rating
    3/15/2015

    Blah, not overly excited about this place. It was tasty but a bit pricey in my mind. Clever creations but portions were too small. The staff wasn't very attentive either. Not planning on returning.

  • 4.0 star rating
    3/23/2015

    Their fries with yellow curry sauce is genius and amazing! Their hot dog is really good. The only thing I have a problem is with the over priced Korean bulgogi. It's like the perfect food for the hipster.

  • 2.0 star rating
    8/7/2014

    This place has been on my list for a long long time. I finally made it out there and wasn't all that impressed. Main food was eh but I liked the sides. We got the fries and tostones. I think it might be BYOB but I just got their lemonade and it was pretty good also. I don't think I'll be back.

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    8/7/2014 Shereene,

    Thanks for taking the time to give us your feedback. I'm glad you enjoyed several of the…
    Read more
  • 3.0 star rating
    3/11/2015
    1 check-in

    Very odd location and hard to find parking BUT it is a must visit for a quick bite.  So much flavour.  Tostones, house fries and their desserts are on point (especially the donuts plus vanilla ice cream - whoa).  Definitely coming back!

  • 5.0 star rating
    8/8/2014

    Excellent! Small menu full of delightful tasty food! The kimchi fries were amazing. Quinoa salad not your regular plain quinoa .BYOB but they have recently started selling a small selection if beer & wine. Great big table in the center if you have a group. Service was great, food was great. Going back soon.

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    8/8/2014 Maura,

    Thanks for your review! I'm glad you were about to join us and try out a few of our menu…
    Read more
  • 4.0 star rating
    6/26/2013
    1 check-in

    My sister and I came here one evening to try out their famous belly dog.  It had a lot of hype of being one of the best non-traditional Chicago dogs in the area.  Belly Shack is indeed a little shack hidden underneath the train tracks.  Keep your eyes open or you may miss it.  There is a lot of street parking, but it is located around a really busy intersection.  So be careful crossing those streets.

    It took us a long time to decide what we wanted because everything on the menu looked delicious.  We ended up choosing a couple of entrees to share:

    -Belly Dog with Togarashi Fries: hot dog topped with kimchi salsa and fried egg noodles.  I don't really like hot dogs, but the belly dog was delicious.  I enjoyed the crunch from the egg noodles.  The fries were also good.  They were seasoned with some heavenly goodness called togarashi.  The fries were also accompanied with some curry sauce.  I'm not a big fan of curry, but the fries were seasoned well enough for me to enjoy them without any sauce.

    - Chicken with Brown Rice: served with broccoli, kimchi, and mushrooms.  I wasn't a big fan of this dish.  It was overly dry and didn't have enough vegetables.  I feel like for $9, they could throw a little bit more ingredients.

    - Tostones in a Chimichurri Sauce: deep fried plantains smothered with chimichurri sauce and lime juice.  The tostones were just ok to me.  Nothing bad to say about them, but nothing too unique for me to talk about them.  

    - Passion Fruit Lemonade:  mmm....flavored lemonade is one of my weaknesses.  I'm glad the lemonade wasn't overly sweet and had the right amount of sourness.  You order these by the pitchers, enough to share between two people.

    Overall, we enjoyed our experience at Belly Shack.  They have their ups and downs with their entrees, but I would return just for another belly dog.  It was one of the best tasting hot dogs I have ever eaten.

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/18/2013

    People are raving about the Belly Dog and with good reason.... it's quite YUMMY (and FYI I'm not really a fan of hot dogs). I love the sauce and the crunchy noodles on top.

    I had no idea what Togadashi was until I saw it at the store... its the spice you put in udons and they top it on fries. Gives it a kick, but the dipping sauce that comes with the fries is fantastic.

    I also had the Tostones as well which is fried plaintains with chimichurri sauce and it was quite tasty as well.

    The Belly dog is making me smack my lips.....

  • 4.0 star rating
    8/5/2014

    I had been wanting to try Belly Shack for years, and recently moving a few blocks away, I had no excuse not to try it. I treated a couple of friends to dinner here after they helped me move in and we wound up all making the same order, so my taste sampling was limited here, but was excellent!

    We all ordered the Korean BBQ Beef, the Tostone's & the lemonade flavor of the day (Passionfruit). The Koren BBQ Beef was excellent, with just the right amount of sauce, full of a good hearty flavor and tender. For this alone I will keep coming back here! I like'd the tostones (I'm a fan of Chimichurri), but my friends were not the biggest fans, mostly because ours came out quite greasy. I will try these once more but if they are as greasy again this is an item I will pass up going forward. The lemonade was a surprise treat. Not expecting a whole lot, the passion-fruit lemonade was amazing and perfectly refreshing. The sweet bitterness of it cut perfectly into the rich flavors of the BBQ beef and make it a mandatory combo.

    Overall, it was a great little spot for a weeknight dinner or weekend lunch. While it's not expensive, it's not super cheap by any means. 3 of us ordering the Koren BBQ, a Tostones side & a lemonade came out to ~$65 with tax. I look forward to coming by and trying the rest of the menu!

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    8/5/2014 Alexander,

    Welcome to the neighborhood! Thanks for stopping in and taking the time to leave a review…
    Read more
  • 2.0 star rating
    2/21/2013 Updated review
    2 check-ins
    Listed in Chicago Code

    The food was the same, but I thought the service was terrible enough that I don't feel like giving it even an average rating. My sister doesn't like cilantro-I don't know why. She just hates it. She knows their policy of no substitutions, so she asked what items on the menu don't have cilantro on it. The counter girl didn't know, so she asked who I assume to be the kitchen manager and she gave some weird, exasperated look before she said "the kogi doesn't have any." There are two ways to transliterate that and she got neither of them right.

    So, I got the meatball sandwich and fries while my sister got the Korean BBQ beef which, apparently, does have cilantro in it after all. Horrib-awesome!

    I liked my sandwich, it really seemed a lot like the belly dog. The beef was too sweet and I hope that the kimchi really isn't a family recipe because, well, it sucked. My sister didn't even finish her dish. We did eat the sh*t out of the fries though and got more of the curry mayo which is delicious. I would go get the fries again with extra mayo but I think I'm officially done with the Belly Shack.

    3.0 star rating
    4/17/2012 Previous review
    I had bookmarked this place for so long that I had forgotten that I'd wanted to eat here. I met up… Read more
  • 4.0 star rating
    4/5/2015

    What can I say that other more distinguished yelpers haven't said on this forum?  Actually I have one thing that I can say but before I delve into that let me say the food here was very flavorful and the soft serve ice cream as has been said plenty of times was off the hinges!
    So we went on a Saturday afternoon.  The spot was nearly empty, the dark, deadly grey colored walls made my wife and I stop dead in our tracks!  We, bravely, continue towards the counter.  As I'm leading my wife, I glance to my left and look out towards the window.  I see a Subway Restaurant and a BIG A-hole taking a whiz against a dumpster.  Beneath my breath I mutter some Spanish curse words.  I look toward this Mexican dude who kinda heard me for confirmation of what I saw.  I got the nod of acknowledgement and finally made it to the counter.  
    We ordered the roasted chicken and Ramen soup.  I must say for a walk up operation, I was shocked by the $31 dollar price tag.  I mean, for the that price the place could be more inviting, have some good Buddha Bar music to accompany, Disclosure Station on Pandora....whatever...but we braved through it you know what I mean.  We're troopers man!
    So this gal named Marlo asks how's our meal.  Let me tell you guys something.  She is a beacon of hope in this very dark place that puts out some damn good food.  I'm not gonna get into what we talked about but ladies and gentlemen, cancel your shrink appts, cancel your medical bud license....all you need to do is go here and interact with this gal.  She'll make you happy and make you question why you didn't go there to meet her sooner.  She gets what service is all about.  She knows what this place needs to really deliver on that customer experience.  
    Ms. or Mr. Belly Shack owner listen up.  I told Marlo everything required to take BellyShack to the next level.  Get it together and put the plan into action.  You should be happy I'm not charging you for this advice.
    And there you have it folks!  Another one from yours truly!

  • 4.0 star rating
    9/28/2014

    Really unusual concept/food fusion but works really well!

    Place has a real hipster vibe!

    I had the Boricua Sandwhich. Such good flavours. The plantain type bread was cool. Really messy. Glad I got it to take away- I had half if it on my face by the time I was finished. I regret nothing though!

    I had a side of pickled cabbage with it- although it was really cold it added a lovely layer of spice to the sandwhich.

    We got the huckleberry and lime ice cream- really different and so tasty!

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    9/29/2014 Niamh,

    Thanks for stopping in while you were in town. I'm glad you enjoyed your visit and I…
    Read more
  • 4.0 star rating
    9/10/2014
    1 check-in

    Finally got a chance to try out Belly Shack, after hearing great things about it and drooling over pictures and reviews online.

    Using visiting guests as the opportunity to finally stuff my face with asian/latin fusion goodness, we arrived for an late-ish lunch, hoping to beat the lunch crowd.

    To our surprise there was no crowd, so i could leisurely agonize over the choices available.  Between the three of us we got the korean beef, the rice bowl, elotes, tostadas (bury me in chimmichurri sauce) and something else i can't quite recall.

    Everything was tasty as hell. If i had one request it would be for another bun to make delicious beef/kimchi sandwiches with, and maybe for the tostadas to be just a weeeee bit crispier (to offset the liquid chimmichurri sauce, of course).

    I wsan't too impressed with the service, and as a matter of fact i had to remind them to receive on of our ordered items (somewhat sadly there wasn't even an apology as they brought it out.  On the other hand, i dropped some cash and it was pointed out, rather than swiped, so i'm torn on this.  I do expect customer service with a smile, having worked in CS for long years.  Anyway.

    Great flavors all around, and, for the most part, portions.  The balance is god, without the latin or asian side overpowering - in case you have a preference.

    I can't wait to go back and try the rest of the menu. Maybe the staff will even be in a better mood :-)

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    9/10/2014 John,

    Thank you for taking the time to leave a review of your visit. I'm really glad you were able…
    Read more
  • 1.0 star rating
    5/17/2014
    1 check-in

    What did I just pay $40 for??? I was really looking forward to trying this joint, but all in all the menu was very limited and overpriced. My meatball sandwich was somewhat tasty, but it was also very sparse and it also did not have any sauce on it. My friends shared the cauliflower salad which was extremely strange tasting..how do dill, olives and corn go together?? 'wtf' This will be my one and only visit.

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    5/19/2014 Lindsay,

    I'm sorry to hear that you didn't enjoy the menu. I appreciate your feedback and I will be…
    Read more
  • 3.0 star rating
    6/26/2014

    I was pleased with the entrees but not blown away, tasted the: belly dog, Korean BBQ beef, and organic brown rice with chicken.  I really loved their fries with a curry aioli and their vanilla soft serve with huckleberry lime topping was SO GOOD. Also, their Vietnamese cinnamon caramels (for $.75 in a jar at the register) are delicious. I would go back for the fries and the desserts, and would try a different entree off the menu.

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    6/26/2014 Irene,

    Thanks for your review and recommendations. It sounds like you were able to try out several…
    Read more
  • 4.0 star rating
    12/27/2013

    One Friday night, my boyfriend and I were looking to grab a quick bite in the area and headed to Belly Shack after discovering the huge wait at 90 Miles down the street.  Belly Shack is a place where you order at the counter, and then your food is brought out to you.  I was happy to see a vegetarian option on the menu, and I ordered the boricua sandwich with a side of tostones.  They were both flavorful and delicious.  I was especially impressed with the tostones. If you stop in for a weekend meal, keep in mind, they are BYOB.

  • 5.0 star rating
    5/1/2013 Updated review

    It's been almost two years since I first reviewed Belly Shack. I'm happy to report it's just gotten more awesome since then.

    Their fried chicken special is among the top 5 bites I've ever put in my mouth. I only wish they'd update their social media with daily specials because I'd literally come in every time they have it.

    It's kind of crappy that they're closed on Mondays, but I can forgive them. They have another restaurant to operate.

    Everything on the menu is great. No substitutions. Don't be afraid of the family table.

    4.0 star rating
    1/6/2011 Previous review
    Belly Shack is a fantastic little find. I'm sad to say that I didn't really know it existed until… Read more
  • 3.0 star rating
    5/17/2015
    1 check-in

    Maybe try some of the options other reviewers are suggesting (jibarito, fries, burger) but I was not especially impressed with the Belly Dog. I really liked the idea, and it did not get soggy which was pretty surprising, and the spices were really well done, but in the end it was still just a hot dog with ramen on it. But if you get something else your experience might be better (other reviews of the Belly Dog also don't seem great, they should revamp the item that they seem to be staking their name and reputation on.) I'm recommending the jibaritos and fries because the fries I had with my Belly Dog were incredible, as was the curry dipping sauce. Surprisingly the train noise wasn't too bad, I got used to it pretty fast. Beer selection was pretty limited, which was also disappointing for something that just requires getting a bigger freezer.

Belly Shack - 227 Photos - Latin American - Logan Square - Chicago, IL - Reviews - Menu - Yelp
 

Recommended Reviews

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  • 2.0 star rating
    4/5/2015

    So I admit it's been a while since we had eaten there. Somehow we just kept overlooking this restaurant. We really loved it the previous visits but just tried new things. So we finally we thought it's been a long time, lets go back. It was rather disappointing. I had the lochen ramen. It was all good until you got to the actual noodles. Gummy and somehow overly salty. The rest of the dish was good but the noodles,to me, are ramen. They were almost inedible. My son had the beef taco platter. Tacos and meat were good but the lentils were watery. The kimchee was awesome , as usual. We also had our old favorites, Brussels sprouts and  togorashi fries. These were as great as always.  But who goes to restaurant for just the sides? They no longer have my favorite GUS sodas so I was stuck with plain water. The worst part was there were gnats flying around us intermittently during dinner. Service was okay but not something exceptional. The food runner paid special attention to the table next to us, while totally ignoring us. I will have to think long and hard before returning, what with the bums lingering and asking for handouts, right upon our exit from the restaurant. Not the most pleasurable experience on the whole. My heart is breaking because we use to love this place!!

  • 2.0 star rating
    1/22/2015 Updated review

    If it was the food it would be a 4. As for service 0.  I live close by and go here often and tonight was the last straw.  I called ahead to pick up my order.  They are usually pretty slow so I asked to pick it up in about 45 minutes so they would be able to fire the food when they knew it needed to be.  Instead the person on the phone said 'oh we are really busy and that order only takes about 10 minutes so you should call back about 10 minutes before you plan on coming.'  I said that seems counter productive.  She continued to state that they were really busy and this is why.  

    So I call back about 10 minutes before I plan on arriving.  Right away she answers 'can you please hold'. I tell her I just want to place a quick pick up order.  Still puts me on hold. 2 minutes pass, 5 then 7 minutes.  I finally hang up and call back.  I tell her how I was just put in hold for 7 minutes.  She apologizes quickly and asks what I want.  I give her my order and she says it'll be ready in 10-15 minutes!  WTF!  

    So I arrive and give them my name 12 minutes after I called in.  The girl then tells me 'it'll be 5-10 minutes.' I even noticed they only had 8 people in the restaurant no tickets being made oh and my ticket prints up right as I pay!!!  

    I tell her my unhappiness so far and get a quick apology.  About 7 minutes later I get my food and she tells me she threw in a complimentary donut.  Thanks but it was way too late and really not something I wanted.

    I'm in the industry, have been since I was 7.  This service was some of the worst that I witnessed.  Don't ever tell a customer to call back that wants to put an order in for a later pick up.  Don't forget that you put someone on hold.  Don't tell a customer that you are really busy and then walk in to a 20% filled restaurant and not one ticket or cook on the line.  I do consulting on the side...maybe you should call me for help but I can guarantee I won't tell you to call back or put you on hold and forget, or tell you we are too busy.  

    Your food is great but operations need to change otherwise you'll never last in the long run.

    Ended up getting directly contacted from the owner.  She was very understanding and corrected the situation promptly.  Because of this I will go back for another try.  I thank the Belly Shack team for making things right.

    4.0 star rating
    10/5/2014 Previous review
    Some great flavor comes out of every bite!  
    Sides: fries and plantains
    The fries were great with the…
    Read more
    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    10/6/2014 Chris,

    I appreciate you taking the time to leave a review of your visit. I'm really happy to hear…
    Read more
  • 2.0 star rating
    10/11/2013 Updated review
    1 check-in

    You know, I really want to like this place but I'm still not feeling it.  I like that it's relatively inexpensive and the flavor combinations sound interesting and have potential to be good but something isn't working.  

    Today I had the Asian meatball sandwich with a side of togarashi fries.  The meatball sandwich was just a big mess: it was 70% rice noodles and 30% meatball and it was really sloppy but not particularly good.  I ended up full but not satisfied.  The fries are consistently good and the servers are very friendly but I think this was my last try at Belly Shack.

    3.0 star rating
    8/29/2010 Previous review
    I wanted to love it but I didn't.  The food was good mind you -- I had the tilapia sandwich with… Read more
  • 5.0 star rating
    5/17/2014

    So good.

    Hot dog, kimchi, korean beef, and brussels sprouts. Wonderful stuff. Walk-up counter to order, sit down and your food is brought to you. Easy location off the blue line. I'm excited to come back and try the other two Chef Kim establishments- he certainly made a statement with this one.

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    5/19/2014 Tom,

    I appreciate you taking the time to leave a review of your visit. I'm happy to hear you enjoyed…
    Read more
  • 5.0 star rating
    9/4/2014

    Casual, flavorful and fun.

    This is in my top 5! I have loved everything I've had here. Every dish is packed with flavor. Even simple sides like the NAPA CABBAGE KIMCHI are vibrant and exciting.

    "Combining the flavors of Chef Bill Kim's and his wife Yvonne's Korean and Puerto Rican youth, Belly Shack takes you on a playful journey through the foods that defined their childhoods. Approachable and scrumptious in every sense, Chef Kim and his wife find imaginative ways to blend each other's culinary backgrounds, introducing creative new comfort food that you'll savor with every bite." -Belly Shack

    I find their description accurate, and I think it conveys the fun aspect of this cool little spot.

    Personal Favorites: The aforementioned KIMCHI, KOREAN BBQ BEEF, TOGARASHI SPICED FRIES, the unique, rotating SOFT SERVE flavors -and remember- though they have a tidy but mighty DRINK LIST, you can always BRING YOUR OWN!

    Located conveniently under the Western Blue Line.

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    9/4/2014 Zach,

    Thanks for your review! I'm so glad that you've been able to try out most of our menu and…
    Read more
  • 4.0 star rating
    3/2/2015

    I went here on a Saturday night around 7 and it was decently crowded, but we didn't have to wait to find a table. We started with the blackened cauliflower which unbelievably delicious. I was expecting it to come out hot, but it's actually a cold dish. The flavors were so perfect I could have eaten as my whole entree. Instead, I had the curry udon noodle bowl. It was good, kind of like upscale ramen with a Thai twist, although I was expecting some kind of Mexican fusion considering that's kind of their thing. We ended with their soft serve with the Vietnamese caramel topping. This is not your usual Chinese buffet soft serve. It's rich and creamy without that weird chemical taste you usually get. I will definitely be going back and trying it with the other toppings. If you're ever near the Western blue line stop, this is a must-try.

  • 3.0 star rating
    6/14/2014

    Tip: this place is RIGHT off the blue line, so it makes a great place to pick up a to-go order on the way to the airport!  This is what I did last week, and I have to say it was really hard not to eat my sandwich on the el because it smelled so amazing.  This place is definitely a more innovative option than the Subway next door.  The staff was friendly and my food came out pronto!

    I wasn't super impressed with the food, however.  I got the pork meatball sandwich, which ended up feeling like a bit of a carb overload, because it's a big fluffy bun, with pork meatballs, and then a lot of noodles.  I had quite a few bites that were bun + noodle, and I found myself wanting a vegetable or something to break it up a bit. I ended up throwing away the remaining bun and noodles once the meat was gone.  

    Also, it would have been really great to have some napkins packed in my to-go box, because I have to say, eating this sandwich is quite the feat!  Also, I wonder if there might be a way to make the food just a bit cheaper, as over $10 for a sandwich (no sides) felt a little hefty to me.    

    I'm a big fan of fusion and innovation, however, so I'm glad I stopped by.

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    6/16/2014 Rachael,

    Thanks for taking the time to share your feedback with us. I'm glad the location was…
    Read more
  • 5.0 star rating
    10/1/2013
    2 check-ins

    This place is pretty dope for being the "fast food" version of the three belly restaurants.  I always wondered about its location but it makes sense now in playing along with the fast theme. It doesn't give off the Demon Dog vibe but I understand what it was going for.

    As for the food. Got damn! All I can keep telling people is "Damn! Those flavors."  They jump out at you from scent to visuals. I was able to cruise somewhat of the menu since I went for lunch with a couple people. I had the boricua, the dog and fries, korean bbq and hot and sour soup.  There was not one shred of food left.  It all looks interesting and when you bite in it all comes together.  Some people may say its not spicy enough, which I agree, but also I believe spicy isn't what's going on with these dishes. Its fusion flavors which works. They do have a Belly Spice available but still didn't really provide the kick that most would look for. I honestly would consider bringing along some sriracha but really I just rather enjoy the flavors that I don't usually get. They are memorable.

    I have been thinking about going back and its only been two days since I tried it.  Doesn't help that I ride the blue line everyday and im directly above it almost six days out of the week but you would never know I'm practicing self-restraint.  I feel like even the pickiest of eaters can try this spot. Textures are just right. Tastes are on point. Service is pretty speedy. Price is alright for something fairly unique. And it is highly accessible.

    Next stop: Belly Q.

  • 5.0 star rating
    5/9/2014

    Byob so always a plus. Allowed us to bring in hard liquor, super plus.

    Overall, the service was great. Everyone working there was beyond nice. And the food was amazing.

    I got the cauliflower salad (incredible!), fries were terrific, kimchi was solid, and I couldn't stop myself from stealing bites of my partner's korean beef. Nom Nom Nommmmm.

    Surprisingly empty on a Friday night... but great for us since we were able to get a table and food right away.

    Ultimately, can't wait to go back!!!

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    5/12/2014 Michelle,

    I appreciate you taking the time to leave a review of your visit. We hope that you'll be…
    Read more
  • 4.0 star rating
    3/9/2013

    Yummy in my tummy! Want a hipster urban eating experience? Look no further, Belly Shack is the place, complete with the El running rampant over the top of the building. I like it. Feels gritty.

    The food. The food is tasty to say the least, but not cheap by any means. I embarked on my maiden voyage with the intent of getting the tostones and hot and sour soup, then I got distracted by the Korean bbq beef (my latest obsession) with kimchi. I topped the order off with a passion fruit lemonade. At $15 I was less than amused when the plate and tiny carafe arrived. Like a good ol' American I was like, where's the rest of my order? But once I started eating it turned out to be the right amount of food. Go figure. I was full, but not stuffed and I couldn't even finish the carafe of passion fruit lemonade. Although I gave it the ol' college try because it was so damn good.

    The table next to me ordered the togarashi spiced fries and they smelled sooo good! I also intend to go back and try the tostones and hot and sour soup. I have mixed emotions about the Belly dog with the noodles. It seems wrong on so many levels, but is probably really good too.

    Very good. Very hipster. Very convenient (see before mentioned location of the El).

  • 5.0 star rating
    2/23/2015

    Trendy, fun, creative. Everything on the menu is great! It's a great environment. You can't go without getting the tostones!!

  • 3.0 star rating
    10/3/2014
    1 check-in

    there's really nothing korean about the food at belly shack aside from the kimchi (which was pretty tasty). don't get me wrong, the bbq bowl that i had at belly shack was great but to me, it just tasted like any other asian bbq bowl. i think this would be great for me to swing by to get a kimchi fix but my complaint was the food was way too sweet AND salty for me.

    maybe it's wrong of me to assume that i should be getting korean food just because the chef is korean. all in all, this place is pretty good but i still wish there was that extra korean something. (i think it's pretty much the americanized korean geared towards non koreans.)

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    10/3/2014 Glory,

    Thanks for taking the time to share your feedback with us. We look forward to seeing you…
    Read more
  • 5.0 star rating
    7/1/2014

    Holy @#$% that's good!  (Boricua sandwich)

    (although a bit overpriced and small...but a nice lunch item that's healthy and not fried always gets me!)

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    7/1/2014 Melissa,

    Thanks for your review! The Boricua is my favorite sandwich on the menu and I'm happy to…
    Read more
  • 3.0 star rating
    10/31/2013

    Nothing special.  Tried both the organic brown rice with tofu, and the Bulgogi dish with the flatbread (items 1 and 2 on the menu).  Much like how I felt at BellyQ, Belly Shack has the air of cool: space under a train track; lots of good-looking people in front of, and behind, the counter; a completely random menu that includes a freakin' hot dog, soft serve ice cream and the dishes we ordered.  But the rice dish has almost no rice (hilarious, as I was actually looking for a Crisp-sized bowl of rice!); the other ingredients were tasty, but not better than the Korean fusion food at En Hakkore.  And the bulgogi is significantly better at Cho Sun Ok,.

    But the epic fail was the service; the line took ten minutes to go through (with only six people, yes, I had time to count), and when you are talking about counter service that only features a dozen items, I had a hard time figuring out what the issue was.  Then, after a friend ordered an item that was entered wrong in the system, she was brought a quinoa salad instead of what she wanted.  Both sides were graceful about this mistake--the friend ate the quinoa despite not being a quinoa fan, and the server brought out some ice cream to make up for the mistake--but to get to this point, it took 30 minutes to bring out our food.  I'm a patient guy (my pregnant wife, less so), but 30 minutes to bring out a bowl of rice with tofu seems extravagant, and the quality of the dish ultimately was not worth it.

    This probably sounds like a two-star review, but I'm a fan of BYO anywhere and again, the taste of the meal truly was "A-OK."  But I won't be back.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/11/2014

    I just wanted to take a moment to review one of my new little favorite stop and pop diners, Belly Shack.  I've had it delivered, and I've been to the restaurant (neat urban comfortable little place with good ambiance and very friendly help).  I've order the same thing both times, Korean BBQ w/ Toragashi fries and I love it.  Nice balance of flavors - their kimchi is wonderful and for the price (somewhere between $12-$15 it is a comfort I'll be indulging in on a fairly regular basis.

    If you havent tried it, go try it.  I was going to give it four stars - but the price, the food and the people push it to 5.  Do yourself a favor and get full here.  They DO serve beer as well BUT, it is super pricey.  Just an FYI :-)

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    7/11/2014 Adam,

    I really appreciate you taking the time to recommend Belly Shack! I'm glad you've enjoyed…
    Read more
  • 4.0 star rating
    10/29/2013
    2 check-ins

    For eating under the tracks, this place is very good. The price range is a bit high for a sandwich + side, but that just keeps the hobos out from hanging around here.

    Best korean/jibarito/boriqua.. whatever ever - just get the #5. They don't mess around.

  • 4.0 star rating
    10/12/2014
    1 check-in

    Very good plaintain sandwich with chicken.   The melding of flavors was fun and yummy.  You won't likely have room for dessert, but you should.   The caramel cinnamon soft serve was mighty good.

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    10/13/2014 Mari,

    Thank you for leaving a review of your visit. The Boricua sandwich is one of my favorites and…
    Read more
  • 4.0 star rating
    3/14/2014

    Great concept, great food, and unique in Chicago. An excellent combination all around.

    I got the belly dog, which was a little underwhelming: the toppings were awesome but the sausage itself wasn't so impressive. The other things we got were great, though, particularly the plantain chips with chimichurri.

    The food here is inventive, but not gimmicky. All the flavors make sense even if they're not normally combined.

    We also got the special dessert, a flan with honey and kaffir lime and nuts. Friggin awesome, though by the time we got to it we were pretty stuffed: big portions of heavy food.

    I like the space here too: lots of light, lots of seating.

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    3/24/2014 Sarah,

    Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. I appreciate your feedback, and I'm glad you…
    Read more
  • 5.0 star rating
    4/1/2014

    YUM! I cant believe it has taken me this long to visit Belly Shack. Solid food, for sure. Try the fries with the curry dipping sauce - totally unexpected and so good. My date started with the hot and sour soup and this was really good!! I kept sneaking bites. We both had the Korean Beef and it was super flavorful. Great low key spot that is also BYOB. I will be back!

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    4/1/2014 Kori,

    Thanks for your review! I'm glad you were able to join us and enjoyed the Togarashi Spiced…
    Read more
  • 5.0 star rating
    9/12/2012
    1 check-in

    If Korea and Puerto Rico had a perfect baby it would be Belly Shack. We happened to be heading to a party in the area on a Saturday night, and decided to stop by. My friends had heard great things about this place.

    It's pretty spacious but for some reason they don't have many tables. We were a party of 5 and had to wait about 20 minutes which isn't so bad for a Saturday night. The menu is simple. They probably have 7-10 dishes tops. You order at the register, they give you a number, direct you to your table and you wait for the waiter to bring your food. The food was ready pretty quick.

    I had the Korean BBQ dish, which is the 1st thing on the menu. O-M-G! I included a photo. It was so good. Served with slices of flatbread and included Kimchi, Ssam paste and Scallions. Delicious! Several of my friends ordered the "Boricua" which was a sandwich in a Crispy Plantain shell mixed with brown rice and Hosian BBQ and your choice of meat or tofu. You have to try it to appreciate it. It was 5 of us and none of us spoke as we ate because we were so into our food. Kept repeating how great it was.

    This place has a very prestigious award in the restaurant industry, which is the Michelin Bib Gourmand. Most restaurants on this list are extremely fancy and expensive. This is one of the few 'mom and pop' looking places that has won this award and I can see why. You should try this ASAP!

  • 3.0 star rating
    9/4/2014

    Had the boricua sandiwch (veggie) and although flavorful, it was also really salty. Salty to where it over powered the other flavors. It was also on the oily side.

    It's a very casual spot, convenient right underneath the blue line. Order at front and sit. The most casual out of the three Belly establishments for sure.

    If I'm in the area, I wouldn't mind trying something else. But I definitely wouldn't go out my way to come here.

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    9/5/2014 Ada,

    Thanks for taking the time to share your feedback with us. We do hope you'll stop in the next…
    Read more
  • 2.0 star rating
    1/23/2015

    I have been here a few times and love the food! The only reason I am only giving 3 stars is because they recently got rid of the boricua sandwich. It was by far the best item on their menu! It's always a bummer when you get rid of a good thing! They replaced it with corn tortilla tacos which are like a lot items offered at other korean fusion restaurants but not nearly as good.

    Bring the boricua back please!!!

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    1/27/2015 Erin,

    Thanks for taking the time to share your feedback with us. I'm happy to hear that you enjoy…
    Read more
  • 4.0 star rating
    12/14/2014

    Really loved the belly dog the beef hotdog and the kimchi flavor went so unexpectedly well together. Sweet yes, but with the beef it really picks things up. My gf had the meatball sandwich the meat was good and so was the seasoning. Just wished it was a little better lit up. Overall its good definitely outside the box. I would visit again.

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    12/15/2014 Rusty,

    Thanks for your review! I'm glad you and your girlfriend were able to join us and enjoyed the…
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  • 5.0 star rating
    5/27/2014

    Korean beef, organic brown rice & the fries is what we got this time & it's great. Would comeback to try out other stuffs. I really like this place.
    Would like a little bit more lighting on the place though.
    Overall a good place to eat.

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    5/28/2014 Dee,

    Thanks for leaving a review and recommending several of the dishes we have to offer. We hope…
    Read more
  • 3.0 star rating
    9/11/2012
    1 check-in

    First heard about this place from Best Thing I Ever Ate and tacked it on my places to try while in Chicago.
    The restaurant is small with a concrete, skateboard themed decor. The menu has a lot of options and also seasonal ones.
    Ordered the Pork Meatball Sandwich, Boriqua sandwich with kalbi beef, and the watermelon salad.

    The best dish by far was the Watermelon Salad. The salad had egg noodles, bean sprouts, basil seeds, and a thai inspired dressing that definitely had fish sauce in it. The salad was light and hit all the spots: sweet, salty, sour, crunchy while the egg noodles made it a little more filling.

    My meatball sandwich came in a HUUUGE bread loaf and was stuffed with large meatballs, rice noodles (it was listed as somen on the menu), and drizzled with a red chili pepper paste sauce. First, It was a huge carbohydrate bomb, I don't know how anyone could eat all that bread AND the noodles inside. I took a few bites of the entire sandwich and then quickly just ate the noodles and meatballs from out of the bread. Second, the meatballs were tender but a little flavorless so I asked for extra sauce to dip them in which made it better. The sauce was a great riff on Korean gochujang. The sauce was complex while still maintaining it's "Korean-ness".

    The Boriqua sandwich was an interesting sandwich I've never eaten before. The kalbi beef was much too sweet for my taste, though, especially paired with the plantain slices. It was also an incredibly heavy sandwich without much to cut through (kimchi please!).

    Belly Shack is a interesting restaurant with a unique concept. The prices are moderate and the portions are generous.

  • 5.0 star rating
    1/7/2015

    I've tried their belly dog,
    Korean barbecue, and fried plantains. My favorite was the belly dog! It's really flavorful and delicious!! I love the fries and the mustard sauce that comes with the belly dog. The Korean barbecue was good too. I love the bread that comes with the Korean barbecue! The plantains were okay. I love the place!

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    1/8/2015 Jen,

    I appreciate you taking the time to leave a review of your visit. The Belly Dog is one of my…
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  • 4.0 star rating
    3/9/2014

    This place looks terrible! Don't give me that bull about neatness, simplicity and understatement. This is cheap and ugly, plain and simple! The tables are awful, the chairs are torturous, and the huge iron number they hand you at the counter are just absurd. So, why are there people? And quite a few? And looking like they know what they are doing?
    The answer is simple: the food is great! I had a sandwich with a Portugese name like Balacao, that hinted on Carnation or Rose without suppressing the superb meat it had in abundance. My friend had a stew, which reminded me of the nest ramen from another great Chicago fusion place, Oisistar.
    So, forget your date (she will most likely hate it), and bring your appetite (and a bottle of inexpensive wine) to this hidden (actuallyt quite easy to miss) gem. And save a meatball order for an Italian place.

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    3/13/2014 Victor,

    I appreciate you taking the time to give us your feedback. It sounds like you were able to…
    Read more
  • 3.0 star rating
    11/12/2014

    I've been looking forward to eating at Belly Shack for a while now and I finally did. It was good but not awesome good. The portions are not that big for the prices. A hot dog with a very small amount of fries for 10 bucks just didn't cut it for me. I enjoyed the curry sauce that came with my fries much more than the hot dog itself. My brother had the meatball sandwich and it look beautiful but the taste was just ok. It looked better than what it tasted. He also had the spring rolls with peanut sauce which he loved. Btw his meat ball sandwich was about ten bucks too and it came with no fries...disappointed. I might give this place one more chance to try some of their other dishes but 33 dollars for two "ok" sandwiches an order of fries a drink and two very small spring rolls didn't leave me with the best taste in my mouth. I hope my next visit is better. All in all u should try it because they have a good attitude and because u might feel differently than I. Enjoy.

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    11/12/2014 Aracely,

    Thanks for taking the time to share your feedback with us, I will be sure to discuss with…
    Read more
  • 5.0 star rating
    1/31/2014

    The best tostones I have ever had, they even beat the cuban joints in Miami. They are UNREAL! French fries are ridiculous too, I have no idea why they are so perfectly crispy and seasoned.

    Their take on the jibarito sandwich is great, so much flavor. I don't care for the meatball sandwich though most seem to like it. Everything else is phenomenal. The service is excellent (order up service) and fast. This place is fantastic.  I really wish more small places with food this good opened up. Also BYOB! Cant go wrong with this place.

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    2/17/2014 Ryan,

    Thanks for your review!  It sounds like you were able to try several different menu items and…
    Read more
  • 2.0 star rating
    5/5/2014

    I gave this three stars due to the service. This was my first time at Belly Shack. After ordering at the register I did not tip. I would  gladly tip afterward after eating and enjoying my dinner....but a server behind the counter made a snide comment that I did not tip.

    While the food was good, I will not be coming back. I don't think anyone would want to pay for food and tip before a meal??? Very annoyed at people who make others feel ashamed for not tipping right away.
    Oh btw you get your own utensils, napkins, and drinks so there is no waiter.

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    5/6/2014 Lauren,

    I'm very sorry to hear about your experience. At your earliest convenience, please contact…
    Read more
  • 2.0 star rating
    1/4/2014
    1 check-in

    Belly Shack has been on my expansive food list for awhile, and I finally had a chance to go with a friend. It's located right under the Western blue line stop which is perfect for train commuters; you don't have to take five different stops to get there. When I first saw the building outside, it was unassuming and a mystery. Once I stepped inside, the space had a trendy, urban and industrial vibe to it. I was first greeted by this huge table in the middle of the space, and a bunch of small tables were around the perimeter. All the seats were these industrial metal stools that went well with the decor. The tables were first come, first serve basis. The large table is nice for the loner diner... that way he/she is not awkwardly taking a table of four by his/herself.

    To order your food, you have to go to the counter in the back, the cashier gives you a number to take to your table, and they bring your food to the table. The staff are super friendly, and they never fail to share about their daily special. The menu was short and their description seems like a fusion of Asian and Latin American food. I ordered the special that day which was a Porkbelly tostada while my friend and her sister ordered the Somen Noodle Salad and the Asian Pork Meat Sandwich. We also shared a side of togarshi fries which came with the curry mayonaise sauce. The food overall felt a little underwhelming and off balanced in flavor, which was a bummer bcause I so badly wanted to like this place. I just remember feeling like there's something missing in each components and each bite my belly was left dissatisfied and incomplete. Everything on the menu felt like a carb-overload.  One thing I would give you is that they don't skimp you on the meat. The fries were good as well, but it's not very hard to mess up on fries and the Somen Noodles was very refreshing.

    Unfortunately, I will not be buzzing about this place to friends as much as I wanted to. I heard good things about this place too. :/ Sorry Belly Shack, you will not see this belly back at the shack again.

  • 2.0 star rating
    8/3/2012
    1 check-in

    Honestly, I'm very disappointed with Belly Shack. I've driven past it multiple times with my boyfriend and always pointed out that I wanted to go there someday. I've had it bookmarked for over a month. Basically, I was super stoked to FINALLY eat at Belly Shack.

    I just ate there with my boyfriend and I didn't even want to finish my food because I didn't think it was worth eating. He got the hot dog with a side of Brussel Sprouts. I got the meatball sandwich. I liked his because the crunchiness of the egg noodle was different and it added some texture to the hot dog. I didn't try the brussels sprouts. The fries were alright. Standard. The curry mayo was a nice touch.

    I didn't like my sandwich at all. The meatballs were kind of tasty. It reminded me of dumpling meat. A little bit dry and bland. I had to go to the counter and ask for extra sauce on the side because I couldn't really taste anything. The rice noodles were bland, but you can't really do anything about that. To try to make up it, I tried some of the curry mayo on the meatballs and it was alright. I think it would have tasted better if the fried egg noodles were with the meatballs to give it some crunch with the soft meatballs.

    The service was good. The lady at the counter was nice. We bused our own table.

    Overall, I don't plan on coming here again. I don't think the food was worth it for the price. The only part of the menu that seemed innovating was the desserts and the hot dog. The other main items seemed pretty typical of a Korean restaurant. I kind of wished I got the Korean BBQ beef but it's only because I'm familiar with that dish. I wanted to go for something different and I guess that was my bad decision.

  • 5.0 star rating
    12/3/2014

    Phenomenal BBQ beef... Do it!

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    12/3/2014 Kevin,

    Thanks for your review! The Korean BBQ Beef is one of my favorites and I'm so glad to hear…
    Read more
  • 2.0 star rating
    12/2/2014

    Ordered the rice noodle bowl with chicken. Chicken was inedible. The rest was nothing special. Everything was very vinegary and spicy. Service was blah. Nice space tho, I imagine its a nice place to have a beer and bar food. Won't be returning any time soon.

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    12/2/2014 I'm sorry to hear about your experience. At your earliest convenience, please contact me directly at… Read more
  • 4.0 star rating
    3/16/2014
    1 check-in

    Yummmm.  Have passed this place for years and always wanted to stop in.  Finally, committed  to having lunch here last week, and it was fabulous.  The belly dog is a stunning concoction-sizable juicy hot dog, great bread, and yummy asian toppings.  This thing is magical!  I have tried to reduce my fry intake, but the togarashi fries were addictive.  I also loved my hot tea on the chilly day.

    The decor is pretty awesome.  You actually feel like you ARE under the train tracks....which you ARE in reality!  It is super clean inside.

    It is tricky to park in this area.  I had to park two blocks down...

    Will return!

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    3/24/2014 Mary Ann,

    Thank you for your review. I'm happy to hear that you finally made it in to join us for…
    Read more
  • 5.0 star rating
    10/15/2013
    1 check-in

    The world has long awaited Koren/Latin fusion food...we just didn't know it.

    This place is causal, quick and easy to get to.  The menu is short and simple, but not really simple at all.

    I went for the hot and sour soup, which was fine--not super hot or sour...kind of felt more like a tortilla soup.  Not bad, but not my fav.

    Fortunately, the Belly dog completely made up for it.  Delicious hot dog on delicious fresh bread with a fried noodle patty, papaya kim chee style and really great hot sauce...it's basically like a dream.

    And the curry dip for the fries...can't stop eating it.  Seriously...I'm so full and still eating it.

    Obsessed.

  • 5.0 star rating
    3/29/2015

    So, this was my first time hearing about Belly Shack and eating there. The company I work for lets us cater food on Friday (3/27) for a some of our managers birthdays and Belly Shack was mentioned as a favorite. On the whim I called Belly Shack at noon on Thursday to see if they could cater about 50 people for the next day. I got a call back from the manager when she got in that day about pricing and such. Let me tell you, Marloe (so sorry if I spelled that wrong!) is a gem. She was able to cater for us no problem. I ordered 50 Hot dogs with all the fixins' fries, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, and their signature passionfruit lemonade for us and it was beautiful. Had everything ready at noon on Friday as promised, even went to the store and got us plates, silverware and cups. Our birthday people felt flattered and were very surprised. Marlo was also really easy to work with, which made life simple for me. She called me back later on Friday and asked how everything went, which I thought was sweet, I don't feel like this happens at all anymore. I don't know why some people are complaining about the portion sizes - those hot dogs are HUGE and we had plenty of cauliflower and brussel sprouts left over. Belly Shack you are ah-mazing. Thanks again for making our surprise party so special!

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/4/2013
    1 check-in
    Listed in Yelp 100 Challenge

    Sweet Balls Magoo.  This was heavenly.   I don't even remember what the stuff I ate was actually called, but it has created a monster and I need more.  I had a Korean BBQ beef sandwich and some spiced fries with a curry dipping sauce.  I would fight through a hundred zombie hobos to get at this food again.  I enjoy kimchi well enough but the kimchi here was great.  I finished that off before my sandwich was gone.  The fries themselves were cooked perfectly to my liking (which may not be to yours, but your a fool if you don't share my tastes.  I'm awesome)  Crispy but not burnt. thin but not shoe string and flavorful but still a fry flavor.  And then the curry dipping sauce to top it off and...BAM!  One way ticket to flavor town.  Take that taste buds.

    I didn't have a chance yet to try the Belly Dog but it's next on my hit list.  So this is a warning Belly Dog, I'm coming for you.

  • 3.0 star rating
    9/2/2013

    Similar setup to Urban Belly, which we prefer (and love bellyQ), but even more stripped down and industrial.  Underneath train tracks on a busy large street.  Great place for a quick lunch if you like a different spin on Korean street food.  I didn't love it as much, but then I'm more a traditionalist, and want white rice with my Korean bbq, not flat pita bread.  (There's no substitutions.  Period.  Seriously.  Don't ask.  Learn from my mistake.)  Hubby's gotten the meatball sandwich and the brown rice with chicken on his visits, and he thought it was good but not great.

    We commend the attempt to experiment more extensively with different cuisines, but I wouldn't say personally we feel like it succeeds as fusion here - the flavors and textures jarred a bit for us.  I hate having to say this was just 'a-ok' at 3 stars, especially given the difficulty in finding casual but healthy lunch places.  For those willing to be more adventurous, I think these food combinations would really appeal to them, so go try it out if you're in the area.

  • 5.0 star rating
    4/3/2015

    Delicious meat, no longer BYOB, get steak and chicken options!

Belly Shack - 227 Photos - Latin American - Logan Square - Chicago, IL - Reviews - Menu - Yelp
 

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  • 4.0 star rating
    3/14/2012

    Was planning on eating at another restaurant in the area, but the wait time was over an hour so we used our handy dandy Yelp App and found this favorable place hidden under the train tracks.

    Small, simple decor, and a to the point menu.

    We ordered: Korean BBQ Beef with Kimchi, Ssam paste, scallions served with flat bread, special of the day: udon curry noodles with sausage, tostones, and brussel sprouts & chorizo.

    Breaking it down:
    Korean BBQ Beef with Kimichi, served with flat bread (yelp.com/biz_photos/sKyA…) was well marinated and the flat bread was warm and toasty.

    Special of the day: Udon Curry Noodles with Sausage (yelp.com/biz_photos/sKyA…) was probably my favorite; the curry wasn't overwhelming and the sausage gave it a bit of salty taste to it.

    Tostones (yelp.com/biz_photos/sKyA…) (crispy plaintains chips with chimichurri sauce & lime zest): I love chimichurri sauce and crispy plaintains, but they can definitely hold back on the lime zest it was very acidic.

    Brussel Sprouts con chorizo (yelp.com/biz_photos/sKyA…) definitely tops the list as being innovative. I was skeptical at first, but after the first bite I kept wanting more.

    Desserts (yelp.com/biz_photos/sKyA…): my gf & I both had the soft serve: I opted for the Vietnamese Cinnamon Caramel and her the Bacon Chocolate Chip; the cinnamon caramel was way too sweet for me and we both weren't fans of the bacon. It's a different approach, but when it comes to ice cream simple is usually best.

    BYOB is always a + on my list. Wine with an Asian Latin infused meal and good company always equals a wonderful night.

  • 5.0 star rating
    9/8/2014

    I've been twice to this restaurant and the food has been awesome every time!!! Their fries with curry mayo, their plantain chips, and their BBQ beef are my personal favorites. Highly recommend them! Plus they're BYOB!

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    9/8/2014 Donika,

    Thanks for taking the time to leave a review! I'm so glad you've been able to enjoy Belly…
    Read more
  • 4.0 star rating
    1/24/2014

    Belly Shack is our go-to take out.  We used to live in LA - land of Kogi and Korean fusion and Belly Shack certainly is holding it's own representing Chicagoland.  You can call ahead and grab your food 15 minutes later with ease.  Everyone is very nice and I am amazed at what can come out of their tiny little kitchen in the back!  Decor is very industrial and simple - read nice to dine in.  BYOB if you decided to dine in, we usually get Izzies to go or pair with beers at home.  Favorite dishes include: Belly Dog, Brown Rice Bowl, Spiced Fries, Somen Noodle Salad (current fave), and the Boricua Sandwhich (i reccomend a knife and fork).  We usually do take out - so I have yet to try the soft serve.  One of these days and I will update the review!  In the meantime - check it out for yourself!

  • 4.0 star rating
    3/6/2013

    I was looking to feed some out-of-town friends and I'm pretty sure I impressed them with my choice of Belly Shack. We forgot about the BYOB, but popped into the liquor store next door and grabbed two cases of beer, making it an ever better time.

    The only issue I can see with this place is the seating arrangement as it can get crazy packed at random times. The chairs are a little weird and pretty uncomfortable. Lucky for us, there was only one empty table with 4 seats in the entire place. it's like we were meant to dine here. I ordered the boricua and shared the fries and tostones with my bf. Being Cuban, I have an incredibly high standard for tostones and these were pretty good- not as good as my mom's- but no one can top that. The Boricua with tofu was pretty good and filling. It was kinda bland for my taste but I still ate every bite. Then I went back up for dessert and got the cinnamon caramel. It was delish and not too overly sweet. No complaints there.

    The modern-industrial decor is cool for being near a train stop and more of a fast-food spot. I just can't give this place 5 stars because it didn't knock me off my socks. It is a really good choice for food in this area and can't wait to try all of the other Belly restaurants as I've heard they only get better.

  • 2.0 star rating
    11/24/2013
    1 check-in

    Greasy isn't cutting it.

    I don't find it strange that "vegetarians go nuts" for this place. With many restrictions vegetarians and vegans have; we are always on the lookout for something new to eat. Which means, if it's not a boca burger, hummus, or falafel--- and it's vegetarian; we're going to like it. What a let down the Belly Shack was for me. The food was not fantastic as everyone claims. It wasn't even OK.

    The Vietnamese-style iced coffee was not good. They claim it's made with condensed milk. I didn't taste it. The saigon cinnamon they add on top? I tasted a lot of that---too much even. They serve intelligentsia coffee here. It says a lot when the person behind the cash register is drinking starbucks.

    I was stoked to eat the boriqua sandwich when they brought it to me. I pushed away everything around me to feast. (It wasn't that hard to push away my other food).  I've read so much about its greatness; it should be the best thing ever, right? Wrong. For those that don't know, the boriqua sandwich is a "Jibarito." It's a plantain sandwich; omit the bread, add the fried plantains. Usually, in between the 'buns,' is beef, lettuce, whatever you want in the middle. At Belly Shack, they add unsavory mushrooms, brown rice and firm tofu on the greasiest plantains I've ever eaten. Guess what the tofu soaked up? What a mess! Along with the sandwich, they give you dipping sauce. Sadly, it didn't help the sandwich. It just added to the belly ache I've already been experiencing from eating my tostones. Oh yah, the tostones were Grade A greasy. (the wording there looks funny.) I'm Puerto Rican, and let me tell you, it hurts to see AND eat tostones drowning in grease like that. I'll give them this, there's something interestingly odd (in a good way) about adding chimichurri sauce and lime. It helped the tostones. And I liked how they gave a lot of tostones; it only costs $5. But you're likely to spend another $2-3 on pepto-bismol before you go home. Greasy isn't cutting it.

    The togarashi spiced fries was the only thing I liked at Belly Shack. No, nevermind. the togarashi wasn't it, the fries weren't either. It was the curry mayonnaise. What's cool is that they sell sauces at the cash register; the curry mayonnaise wasn't there. That's unfortunate, because that would be the only thing I'd go back to the Shack and buy.

    I was unaware there was a water stand, so I went through my greasy experience with ice left over from my iced coffee. At one point, my not-so attentive cash register 'friend' was pouring water into everyone's cup. When I asked for water, she poured it in my vietnamese iced coffee cup. Now we're talking poor service. I'm irked, especially since I tipped at the beginning of my stay. It would have been nice to know there was a water stand when I paid for my food. *hint hint*

    If you find yourself at the shack, i recommend ordering Organic brown rice. It will save you a belly ache I hope. Damn, the pictures I took here were good. I wish my food was.

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/30/2014

    This is my weekly go to neighborhood place.  The flavor profiles linger on your tongue and keep you coming back for more.  I always get the same things Organic Brown Rice bowl with tofu, Quinoa Salad Wrap, or Togaarashi Spiced Fries.  The lemonade of the day has freshly squeezed juice added and is so refreshing. All the staff are very friendly.  Food comes out pretty quickly and there's always great world music playing in the background.

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    6/30/2014 Aj,

    Thank you for your review! We're so happy to hear that Belly Shack is your go-to spot and that…
    Read more
  • 4.0 star rating
    6/27/2013
    1 check-in

    You must try the togarashi spiced fries! They were the highlight of my meal (not that the rest was bad per se, but these stood out). The fries are seasoned and come with a curry mayonnaise that is sooo good.  I ordered the Korean BBQ beef entree which comes with the beef along with flat bread and kimchi.  The dish was tasty but wasn't outstanding.  It was standard korean food that I could have made..well maybe not as well but fairly close haha.  It may have been my fault since I went with a safe choice and should have tried something more fusion-like such as the asian pork meatball sandwich which my friend ordered or belly dog...Oh well, I guess that means I have to come back to try more dishes!

  • 5.0 star rating
    2/23/2015

    the belly dog paired with the passionfruit lemonade is fantastic.  i've recommended this place to all my friends planning on making a trip to chicago.

  • 5.0 star rating
    10/2/2014

    This food is freakin awesome! My server was Cecilia and she was very attentive and suggested some great dishes. The Boricua sandwich is my favorite :)

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    10/3/2014 William,

    Thanks for leaving a review of your visit! I'm really glad to hear that you had a great…
    Read more
  • 5.0 star rating
    1/6/2013

    I was sick on a Friday, so where to go for lunch? Hot Doug's, naturally, for Duck Fat Fryday! But Doug was taking a well-deserved vacation- damn you, Doug! *Shakes Fist at Doug Gods, searches "Soup" on Yelp, gets a whole bunch of returns including highly-rated Belly Shack!

    Chef Bill Kim to the rescue! I can't believe I've waited this long to visit Belly Shack! I ordered the Hot and Sour Soup, with chicken, Hominy, and cilantro. It was plenty hot to clear my cold, and very tasty. This and a side of spiced fries with their delightful curry sauce would have been enough for my meal.

    But Doug's had me thinking of hot dogs, and the Belly Shack's with egg noodles, pickled Papaya looked too good to pass up, and it was. The dog was smothered with the above ingredients, and served in a nice bread roll. Excellent dog, dawg.

    The space is simple, spare and hip, and I liked the soundproofed ceiling that kept the sound of the Western Ave. Blue Line above at bay. Moral of the Story: Sorry, Doug, I can't wait to get back to Belly Shack!

  • 3.0 star rating
    3/19/2013

    Saw their meatball sandwich on Chicago's best and ran over to try it.  The sandwich was pretty good, but I think it needed more meat to noodle/bread.

    Brussels sprout with chorizo is a great combo and well executed dish.

  • 1.0 star rating
    2/16/2015

    I used to love this place. On a recent visit the cashier overcharged me. I called them to complain and the manager said she would send me a gift card for the amount I was overcharged. 1 month later I still haven't received it.

  • 4.0 star rating
    5/10/2013

    Everything was pretty good, but some dishes are clearly better than others!

    The five items we ordered,
    - BELLY DOG (5/5): delicious!! definitely order this! all the flavors just blended together so well, and the added texture of the noodles was great. (s3-media3.ak.yelpcdn.com…)
    - KOREAN BBQ BEEF (4/5): pretty good, but i'd rather order korean bbq beef at an authentic korean restaurant. the only thing that really made it special was the addition of the wraps.
    - ASIAN PORK MEATBALL SANDWICH (4/5): i thought it was good, but my friend thought it was a bit too rich in flavor. not as good as belly dog.
    - HOT & SOUR SOUP (3/5): average. better to have this specific dish at an authentic chinese, not fusion, restaurant.
    - BRUSSEL SROUTS & CHORIZO (4/5) : the first couple bites were amazing, but then it started tasting too salty. ended up bringing it home. only good in small doses, so definitely share in a group. (s3-media1.ak.yelpcdn.com…)

    OVERALL: Order the fusion, rather than authentically Chinese or Korean dishes, because they tend to taste better and be more innovative. I highly recommend the Belly Dog and Brussel Sprouts & Chorizo (to share).

  • 1.0 star rating
    9/22/2014 Updated review

    For the last two years the Belly Shack has been my go-to neighborhood place, but in the past six months the place has gone waaaaay downhill. The specials are usually much lamer than they used to be, execution is inconsistent, the menu was recently changed for the worse, and even the service and pacing have been way off. Last night I waited 40 minutes for my veggie burrito, a new item on the menu that was laughably small and had absolutely no flavor, and was cold upon arrival. (This was at least my fourth consecutive very disappointing trip to the Shack in the past 4 months.) To appease me, the woman gave me a $5 off coupon, but I just realized that it's for lunch only. NEVER GOING BACK TO THE  BELLY SHACK AGAIN!

    I wouldn't be surprised if this place shutters soon, they seem to be aching for money, what with all the recent gimmicks to get customers back (new menu, alcohol, advertisements, delivery service....)

    5.0 star rating
    6/28/2013 Previous review
    I'm increasing to 5 stars after my second experience. I got the organic brown rice bowl with beef,… Read more
    4.0 star rating
    5/22/2013 Previous review
    Another great, hip, casual place in Wicker Park/Bucktown. Counter-service joint with a pretty big,… Read more
    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    9/22/2014 Jacob,

    I am sorry to hear that you were disappointed with your recent visit. At your earliest…
    Read more
  • 4.0 star rating
    4/22/2013

    Over the weekend, I hit Belly Shack with a group of girlfriends for my birthday dinner. We'd initially hoped to try somewhere a little more upscale, but we couldn't get into our first choice without an eternal wait. Runner-up or no, Belly Shack made a perfect spot to celebrate!

    We nabbed a big table in the center of the restaurant. Although Belly Shack's on the casual side, making us the dressiest diners there by a long shot, the relaxed, punk-ish atmosphere made us all feel at home. Taking advantage of the counter service, one of my friends ordered a plate of fries to share before everyone arrived and placed their order. Brilliant!

    Our main dishes were brought out at the same time, so we were all able to eat together. I'm always a fan of their Asian Pork Meatball Sandwich, with somen noodles, Korean chili paste, and shredded mint leaves all stuffed inside a soft pita-esque pocket, even if it's much too big to finish.

    The fries are among my favorites anywhere. They taste like McDonald's fries, which I mean as a big compliment, and come with divine curried mayo sauce that's leagues better than anything at a fast food joint. ;)

    I also liked their chorizo-studded Brussels sprouts, though the chorizo overpowered the sprouts. (I like chorizo even more than I like Brussels sprouts, so that's okay in my book!)

    Since we were celebrating, many of us ordered fro-yo to sample. Do it!

    Our group brought more than our fair share of wine and champagne; the staff were totally accommodating, bringing adorable bitty wine glasses without a corkage fee. To my knowledge, no one offered to chill our bottles, which was fine with us. Just a head's up if you're looking for that! (Side note: Why didn't I pick a BYOB spot for my birthday celebration in the first place?!)

  • 5.0 star rating
    9/30/2014
    3 check-ins

    Belly Shack is a must try. It's unique fusion of Latin and Korean delicacies make a dinner worth writing a review about. Boricua Sandwich and vegetarian burrito are a must try. The (pork) meatball sandwich is enough to share. Happy eating!

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    10/1/2014 Yajaira,

    Thanks for taking the time to recommend Belly Shack! I'm glad you were able to join us, and…
    Read more
  • 2.0 star rating
    7/17/2014

    Just went here for lunch. The food is ok..we ordered many items off the menu the only dish that stood out was the cauliflower salad. The kimchee was sooo fishy I couldn't eat the rice bowl so I ordered the hot dog. The attitude at the counter is really why I'm writing this negative review their sense of customer service is poor, rude and aloof.

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    7/17/2014 Meredith,

    I am sorry to hear about your experience. At your earliest convenience, please contact me…
    Read more
  • 5.0 star rating
    5/11/2014

    LOVE this place! Togarashi fries are a must! they have kimchi spice, served with a curry aioli.
    BYOB and all of the dishes I have tried there have been fantastic! I have been several times and they never fail on friendly service and good eats.

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    5/12/2014 Alicia,

    Thanks for your review! I'm glad you enjoyed the Togarashi Spiced Fries, they are one of my…
    Read more
  • 5.0 star rating
    10/12/2013
    4 check-ins

    I love Belly Shack. Not gonna lie, the food was good but not mind-blowing, and if I were to rate the food alone, I would not give this place a 5 star. I just like it because it's such a casual, laid back place; like a good place to hang out with friends. I've been here a couple of times. You order some food, sit down and start drinking and maybe play some cards and just hang out. It's almost cafeteria style (they still bring the food out to you), but it's just laid back. After you're done with your meal, you could just sit there and drink while munch on their fries or soft serve ice-creams (fries = awesome. I found the soft serve to be too sweet). Best of all, it's not expensive. I don't go there looking for an awesome meal; I go there when I'm in the mood for that kind of establishment. I like it for what it is to me.

  • 3.0 star rating
    3/23/2013
    1 check-in

    My coworker's student highly recommended this place so three of us decided to go after work last week.  It wasn't crowded, especially since it was 430pm on a Thursday.  I ordered the Korean BBQ beef, which was okay, but not mind-blowing. My side of tostones was easily the favorite dish of the table.  My coworker ordered the organic brown rice w/ beef, so the beef was similar to my dish.  I thought the brown rice could have been better texture wise. She ordered a side of the spiced fries, which were excellent in terms of crunch, size of each piece, and tasty side of curry mayo.  My other coworker order the quinoa ssam salad (meh, w/ the exception of the portobello mushrooms) and belly dog, which was my second favorite dish of the table.  I was looking forward to trying the bacon chocolate chip soft serve, but that flavor was not available during our visit.

    The dining space itself is very modern.  It was a little confusing listening to the Latin-influenced music while eating Korean-inspired food.  Throughout the meal I thought the place was going through an identity crisis...too many fusions and flavors!  Perhaps that's why the majority of our meals weren't memorable with brief hints of brilliance (tostones and belly dog).

  • 4.0 star rating
    2/18/2015

    Bring back the boricua sandwich!

  • 5.0 star rating
    11/1/2012
    2 check-ins

    DAMN I LOVE this place! Im gonna give it 5 stars! thats right 5 stars because this place is CONSISTENTLY delicious. I dont think ive ever had a bad meal here. I love their hot dog, their borchua sandwich. mhhh and don't forget about their ICE cREAM! honestly... the best ice cream in Chicago, seriously. I always get it when i go. I like the Vietnamese cinnamon ice cream.

    It is a small space and more of a quick restaurant. Definitely try this place out. you will not be disappointed. Try their specials too.. I have had them sometimes.. and wow, so good.

  • 4.0 star rating
    2/13/2015

    belly dog rocks. other stuff was pretty good. vietnamese coffee was satisfying.

  • 3.0 star rating
    10/29/2013
    1 check-in

    Kind of underwhelmed. It was pretty good, and packed when it got closer to 6 on a Sunday.

    Got almost everything:

    Boricua - this was really tasty, top shelf, had a crispy outside and warm inside

    Belly Dog - Good not great, WAY too much bun, and noodles? I liked the green stuff on top. Fries were awesome, with the sauce, and the pickles.

    Hot and sour soup - too much sour, not enough hot.

    Vietnamese iced coffee- really good

    Korean BBQ beef - this was OK, nothing to write home about

    Organic Brown Rice - lots of food, best value as far as quantity, kind of bland though.

    I will give them another shot, I think I set my expectations too high, very cool location. Good service.

  • 4.0 star rating
    6/23/2014
    2 check-ins

    Not too expensive, simple menu, great food.

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    6/23/2014 Andrea,

    Thanks for stopping in to try some of our menu items. I'm glad you enjoyed your visit and we…
    Read more
  • 3.0 star rating
    1/20/2015

    This was place was okay.  I say this as a person who isn't a huge fan of Asian fusion type places.  My friend and I ordered the tostones, the meatball sandwich, the tostones sandwich (with chicken), and the Korean BBQ beef.  Out of these items, the best was the Korean BBQ beef which was quite tasty!  I would say the least thing I liked was the meatball sandwich as I wasn't a big fan of how it tasted because of how it was seasoned.

  • 5.0 star rating
    1/30/2013

    My girlfriends and I came here for lunch on a Saturday afternoon. I was surprised it wasn't crowded since this place seems to be pretty popular!

    I ordered the korean bbq meat sammies. Omg, it is SO dang good! The beef was moist and tasty! It came with a side of kimchi, too which btw was also delish!! This was a really good tasting sandwich but I'm pretty sure it's not too healthy for me. I also  ordered a side of their fries with curry mayo. The fries is slightly crunchy with some spice added to it to make it a little spicy. This meal was delicious (once again) but man I bet it isnt healthy for me at all!

    One of my friends ordered their hot dogs with all the cool stuff on it (noodles and such). It looks really good. She loves it too! My other friend ordered their hot and sour soup. She was a bit disappointed with it. All of us ordered fries, so yum!

    Love the fact that we got to chill here for over an hour. Great hangout, definitely would come back again!

  • 3.0 star rating
    1/19/2013
    1 check-in

    Counter Service - you order at counter and you get your own water with utensils on the left side section of the venue.  No one will tell you unless you ask.  Therefore, no tips necessary?  Staff does refill your water, bring food to you (quick service) and clean-up table.

    Tostones -- Chef must be feeling the Cuban vibe as authentic Cuban tostones are served within 0.25 miles from Belly Shack.  Thinner and crispier compared to its original.  Addictive!  The oils at the bottom can be scary.

    Korean BBQ Beef -- the lightly toasted plump pita bread is a nice touch.  BBQ Beef is too sweet.  Kimchi looks homemade with just-right seasoning.  Strong flavors can fill a room.

    Vietnamese Coffee -- milder than traditional version.  Glass is filled with ice, so you only get half of the 12 oz serving for $3.00.

    Can be worth the $$ depending on what you order.

    You will envy the bathroom decor with 'everyone is pretty' lighting.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/6/2014

    Great little spot underneath the Western Avenue blue line stop to enjoy tasty Korean food at a reasonable price.  Pick anything from the menu that sounds good to you and you can't go wrong here!

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    7/7/2014 John,

    I appreciate you taking the time to recommend Belly Shack. It sounds like you've been able to…
    Read more
  • 4.0 star rating
    10/22/2013
    1 check-in

    Got the korean bbq and it was pretty good. Couldve been spicier but I still enjoyed it. My friends got the porequa (sp?) sandwich and the all beef hot dog. Also very good.  We will definitely be back!

  • 4.0 star rating
    10/19/2013
    1 check-in

    Jibarito was so good. I want to come back and try other items on the menu

  • 3.0 star rating
    3/19/2013 Updated review

    My boyfriend and I went there for dinner on a Saturday night! The place was not that full.
    The menu is very small so the choice is very limited.
    I think it is a Korean and Latin mixed. We ordered the marinated beef with kimchi and pita bread and along with the chicken plantain sandwich.
    I would go back for the plantain sandwich.

    4.0 star rating
    12/20/2012 Previous review
    i forgot the name of the dish but its a sandwich with plantain with it! it was so good...
  • 4.0 star rating
    12/9/2012

    BYOB so make sure you B(ring) it that is.  

    The place is casual and the setup is one where you walk up to order and they give you a number to put on your table.

    It's underneath an el stop, but is surprisingly not terribly noisy.

    Now for the food.  Really good flavors.  I thought some of them were better than the flavors at BellyQ.  I'm always looking for good Korean food in the city, and while this isn't the traditional stuff, it does the job.

    Between the 3 of us, we ordered most of the menu and agreed that everything was solid.  

    I would come back more often if it wasn't so far from my place.

  • 4.0 star rating
    12/21/2013

    This place is so unassuming from the outside, but has a very cool atmosphere! It's small and the menu is light but the food is pretty great! I had to try the belly dog of course, and got exactly what I expected: a strange combination of flavors and textures that surprisingly worked! Interesting dish!

    Also had the chorizo and Brussels sprouts and was pleased with those. Split them with my roomie which was a great choice as those have pretty intense flavor, and I couldn't finish the serving myself!

    For the adventurous eaters - this place is a great getaway from your average meal.

  • 5.0 star rating
    10/6/2012

    I recently moved to New York, but I'm still thinking about Belly Shack.  It is pretty much my favorite restaurant.  I'm annoying my wife because every place we eat that in some way resembles Belly Shack, I'm saying to her througout the meal "this is not nearly as good as Belly Shack."  

    The food is a little hard to describe--the best thing I could say is Korean/Puerto Rican street food with lots of fresh bright flavors, lots of homemade items and fresh ingredients.  Spiciness comes from vinegars, radish, herbs, etc., not a lot of thick sauces or hot pepper.  The spiciness and blending of flavors is superb.  Umami in every bite.  Freshness in every bite.  Palate-cleansing acidity and herbs in every bite.  

    I almost always just look at the specials board and order everything on it.  You can't go wrong.  The prices are right-on.  They have never let me down!  

    The last night I was in Chicago before the move I made a point to have my last dinner there.  I don't know her name, but I thanked the regular waitress for being so awesome to me and my wife and told her that I'm going to miss Belly Shack.  Already out the door and walking down the sidewalk, I see her running after me with a gift of a bottle of their house-made Belly Sauce!!  Whaaat?  God, how nice can you guys be??  The food is miraculous and so is the staff!  I'm almost tearing up writing this because I've been in New York only five weeks and I still miss my hometown, and Belly Shack was my comfort food hangout for many years there.  It was the place we would go to when we needed a break.  When I picked my wife up from the airport after being in Rome for a month, she said "I'm starving, can we go to Belly Shack?"

  • 4.0 star rating
    9/15/2013
    2 check-ins
    Listed in Yelp 100 Challenge

    Such a fun little place with the nicest people-- both staff and patrons.

    I had the #3: an Asian pork meatball sandwich in pita-type bread, stuffed with thin noodles and smeared with chili sauce. Now noodles in a sandwich may sound a bit weird at first, but when you think about it, it's just carbs inside of more carbs... and you really can't go wrong with that.

    Also, beware of the Vietnamese iced coffee. Seriously addicting.

  • 3.0 star rating
    12/30/2014
    2 check-ins

    Had the belly dog. Pretty tasty but nothing mindblowing. Favourite part was the fries with curry mayo.

  • 5.0 star rating
    3/22/2014

    This place is amazing. Order the fries. Best fries I have ever had. Also all their drinks are amazing. Staff is friendly and great. Awesome place for a small get together with friends.

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    3/28/2014 Tracy,

    Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. The Togarashi Spiced Fries are one of my…
    Read more
  • 5.0 star rating
    11/10/2012
    3 check-ins

    This place needs to be closer to home.  It's somewhere I'd be very interested in going to a lot.

    We came in for lunch this time around so I feel like I can do a proper review.  Last time was just for dessert, which I don't think counts.

    So you go up to the counter and place your order and you get a number and you find a spot to sit and wait for your food.  While you wait, you can go to the one side and get a glass of water and your silverware.  We didn't have to wait long for our items to come out - maybe 5 minutes tops.  it was fairly busy so that was nice.

    I had the somen noodle salad, which has shrimp, somen and tortilla chips along with chunks of citrus and jicama in it.  What is the best part?  The sauce that is on the whole thing.  Out of this world delicious!  Green and tangy and garlicy and amazing!  It's a perfect combination of nice, refreshing flavors and the portion is not so huge that you don't have room for dessert.  

    However, before you get to dessert, you have to decide if you want to be able to kill vampires or not with your breath.  If you do, and I am telling you that you do, you need to have an order of the tostones.  Tostones are mashed and fried plantains and what makes these special is the sauce - it's a chimichurri sauce (the same as on the somen salad, or very similar if they are not the same) that is loaded with garlic and lime flavor.  Holy cats is it loaded with garlic - it's been several hours at this point and I could seriously knock a vamp over with my garlic breath.  This is a good thing, nay, this is a great thing, and you need to have these with whatever main dish you choose.

    Now.  Dessert.  Soft serve with a couple of options for toppings.  These seem to change from time to time but right now they have a banana/ chocolate/ granola-topped soft serve and it is just right.  Great portion size and not too many bananas or chocolate to do away with the actual flavor of the soft serve.  I like that.

    Last, they have really good coffee, which is important to me.  I believe it is Intelligentsia but I am grading as awesome based solely on the fact that I could drink it black and without my usual loading of Splenda and milk.  Very good stuff there.

    Quick service to remove things off the tables and my to-go order that I placed for someone at home only took about 5 minutes to come out.  Friendly folks, too, who seem to give good recommendations.

    Overall, fantastic and someone I will want to go again and again and again!

  • 4.0 star rating
    8/31/2013

    Meatball sandwich--- yum!
    Good sauces too. And iced coffee good.
    Great spot for a quick, delicious lunch

Belly Shack - 227 Photos - Latin American - Logan Square - Chicago, IL - Reviews - Menu - Yelp
 

Recommended Reviews

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  • 4.0 star rating
    8/30/2012

    I really like this place. Belly Shack puts out food that you won't find elsewhere in the city. It's located beneath the Western blue line el stop. Order at the register then find a seat. The Belly Dog and Boriqua with chicken are awesome- unconventional ingredient combinations, bold flavors, varying textures, spot-on execution. Furthermore, the portions are generous, and the prices are very wallet-friendly. This place is great for lunch or a casual dinner. I can't wait to return to try the crispy plantains with chimichurri, Asian meatball sandwich, and soft serve desserts. The menu isn't huge, but they regularly announce specials on their Facebook page and Twitter. Highly recommend.

  • 4.0 star rating
    5/29/2014
    1 check-in

    The food is great, I had the kimchi BBQ beef and it was awesome. Nice ambience too. Definitely would come back again and highly recommended.

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    5/29/2014 Victor,

    Thanks for stopping in and taking the time to give us your feedback! I'm glad you enjoyed…
    Read more
  • 3.0 star rating
    5/22/2011

    I've been wanting to go to Belly Shack for quite some time ever since I saw it featured on TV. I love me my Korean fusion places so Korean fused with Latin intrigued me.

    Parking can be hard to find but we got super lucky with a spot across the street. The outside of this spot is super cute and I loved the interior decor as well. It's BYOB which is always a huge plus, and there is a liquor store quite close that you can pick up some craft beers to have with your meal like we did!

    From reading Ray P.'s review, that group he talked about must be regulars because there was a huge group of Asians dominating the communal table the whole time we were there, too! lol Done eating when we walked in, still sitting and hanging out when we left over an hour later.

    Going in, I knew exactly what I was going to get...the Belly Dog! I loved the egg noodles on top and the kimchi salsa wasn't as spicy as I anticipated which worked for me. The hot dog itself was good but nothing spectacular. Overall, tasty dog! The dipping sauce that came with the fries was quite tasty and super spicy!

    They had a bunch of awesome sounding flavors of soft serve but my friends and I decided we had to split  the Viet Cinnamon Caramel. We couldn't understand what was Viet about the ice cream nor could we taste cinnamon or caramel. Maybe the flavor is super subtle and my tastebuds were burned off from all the spice in the fries' sauce...but three of my friends all felt the same way. Disappointed.

    All in all, cute little joint with decent food. I will definitely go back but plan on trying different dishes and a different soft serve.

  • 5.0 star rating
    12/26/2014

    Delicious!! I had the roasted chicken special and it was fantastic! The food took a little longer than I expected (mostly because I initially thought this was a fast food place), but totally worth the wait! Highly recommend, and I will definitely be coming back!

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    12/30/2014 Amy,

    Thanks for taking the time to recommend Belly Shack! I'm glad you enjoyed your visit and we…
    Read more
  • 4.0 star rating
    6/8/2014

    Interesting flavors, fresh ingredients, reasonable prices, great location.   Couldn't eat it every night, but a great change of pace spot, especially after getting off the blue line.

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    6/9/2014 Adam,

    Thanks for leaving a review of your visit. I'm glad you decided to stop in and enjoyed our…
    Read more
  • 4.0 star rating
    4/23/2014

    Man oh man do I love this place.  It's never a problem to get a seat which is a big perk for me, and the jibarito sandwich is out of this world.  The sauce that comes with the fries is some kind of unreal curry and the couple of other things I've had there have been good as well.  My only caveat is that the food tends to be pretty greasy, so if you want to leave feeling like an airy feather, you might have to eat somewhere else.

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    4/23/2014 Elissa,

    Thanks for taking the time to leave a review! I'm really happy to hear that you enjoy Belly…
    Read more
  • 5.0 star rating
    5/21/2014

    This place has been one of my favorites  for a number of years now.  The organic brown rice with tofu is amazing!

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    5/22/2014 Thanks so much for taking the time to let us know that we are one of your favorite spots in the… Read more
  • 4.0 star rating
    2/14/2014

    Their Korean-style jibarito sandwich is even better than the original jibarito (although I'm biased, given that I'm Asian)...SO good! We ordered the togarashi fries on a whim (being low carb, we try to avoid fries)...and it's so amazing, we'd give up being low carb if we could have it every day. We also had the korean beef, but it's the same price as the jibarito sandwich, which also has the korean beef (and almost the same quantity), so the sandwich was the much better value. Kimchi was good but not the best I've ever had. Pricey for lunch ($10 for most main items) so that's why the rating is 4-star instead of 5-star.

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    2/17/2014 Rob,

    I appreciate you taking the time to leave a review. The Togarashi fries are one of my favorite…
    Read more
  • 3.0 star rating
    8/8/2014

    I think I got a bad meatball sandwich there.  Can't prove it but it wasn't pretty.  I'll spare you the details.  Three dollars for a bottle of coke? 15 bucks total including a sandwich with noodles in it and some rare gamie meatballs. Street food isn't what it used to be that's for sure.

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    8/11/2014 Chait,

    I am sorry to hear about your experience. Please contact me directly at mail@bellyshack.com…
    Read more
  • 4.0 star rating
    6/16/2012

    Four and a HALF stars.

    The high points:
    1) the belly dog. I don't even really like hot dogs, but this one is special. the kimchi, the fried rice noodles,... you have to get it.
    2) the fries. (the dog comes with fries)
    3) the meatball sandwich. HUGE meatballs, with julienned carrots and radish, plus some soft rice noodles, all shoved into a pita.
    4) Tostones. Not sure what they were doing here, but they were made well and served with delicious sauce.
    5) it's BYO. No corkage fee!!!

    I see some ppl have complained that it's a bit pricey for street food. Umm, I guess? I thought it was pretty fairly priced, esp b/c it's BYO. (all of the above, plus hot and sour soup) ran about $34, IIRC.

    I don't think I'd want to come here for a first, second, or even third date, because I think you end up dribbling food all over yourself. But a good friend or a SO? HECK YES.

  • 4.0 star rating
    5/7/2012
    1 check-in
    Listed in Chicago Cravings

    It's probably no surprise, but Belly Shack made my belly very happy. Conveniently located steps from the blue line, this low key eatery serves up some delicious, quick-ish eats.

    While the menu isn't vast, there's probably something for everybody, or every belly, in this case. The decor is minimal but modern, the staff friendly and efficient. The prices seem fair for the quality of eats, if a teeny bit high, as the portions are moderately sized, so your bill may add up quickly. Here's what my dining partner and I snacked upon:

    Korean BBQ beef: 5/5: Mouth watering shards of BBQ beef served with a touch of carb. I was really in love with this dish and will absolutely partake in it again! The kimchi provided a nice bite to the beef. Nom all the way.

    Yuzu lemonade: 4/5: Tart but sweet and very refreshing. A tiny carafe will run you $4, but it's a great accompaniment to the meal.

    Soft shell crab salad: 3/5: This was one of the day's specials. Soft shell crab atop a coconut scented (and flavored) both of various mixed veggies and shrimp. I really liked the coconut aroma, but the flavors were quite subtle. I should have added some heat to kick this one up a notch or two.

    Some type of cool, drizzled edamame: 2/5: Yeah, another special from the day that I could have done without. It was overly sticky and a bit bitter.

    Cinnamon caramel ice cream: 5/5: Hold the phone. I want to be buried with a truckload of this caramel, cinnamon, creamy delight. And don't think they skimp on the caramel. No, no, this was caramel city and I loved it.

    Belly Shack is a pretty fab place to grab a low key bite and savor some delicious cuisine. I'll certainly be back.

  • 5.0 star rating
    5/24/2014

    Awesome food, friendly service. Also gave us some good coupons so we'll definitely be back. Pork meatball sandwich was delicious and the spicy fries were even better. Great options for vegetarians also.

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    5/27/2014 Thanks for taking the time to leave a review! I'm really glad to hear that you enjoyed your visit… Read more
  • 5.0 star rating
    6/5/2013
    1 check-in

    Really excellent.  Absolutely loved the Belly Dog with kimchi salsa and super crunchy noodles.  It was hard to get everything in one bite, but it was really tasty.  Also really liked the Korean beef BBQ.  I would probably just get the Belly Dog next time I went, it was so good. And for the record, I don't really like hot dogs! The fries that came with it were good too, and came with curry mayo - yes please!  

    Loved the casual atmosphere - we sat at the communal table - it was very laidback.

    145/365

  • 4.0 star rating
    5/1/2014

    I have been here a few times and each time the food has been phenomenal. Last time I brought my parents and grandmother here for lunch. Everyone enjoyed their meal and the atmosphere wasn't too loud for them.

    The fries are my favorite thing here.

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    5/1/2014 Jeanette,

    Thanks for taking the time to leave a review of your visit. I'm glad you were able to…
    Read more
  • 2.0 star rating
    7/2/2013
    1 check-in

    I was very under-whelmed by Belly Shack, especially given the rave reviews it has.  Before I go any further, I would like to say that my favorite part of the meal was the Sac Sac that I also ordered, which is this fantastic Asian grape drink, that even has some peeled grapes inside!  Deliciously refreshing!  Definitely try some if you're there.  If it hadn't been for the Sac Sac, this review would have been only 1 star.

    The menu is a bit all over the place, seemingly focused on Korean cuisine, but incorporating various Chinese and Indian flavors.  I had the meatball sandwich, which I did not enjoy.

    The meatballs tasted like siu mai (dim sum) and were flavorful, but fell short.  The sauce, modeled after gokujang, was flat.  The mint in the sandwich is almost interesting, but ends up being just unenjoyable.  The noodles were unseasoned, boiled in water, and did nothing to add to the sandwich texture-wise either, lost in the  bread (which was quite good) and just adding to the mess.  The best part of the sandwich was the raw soy sprouts, but there were very few of those.  As whole, the flavors lacked depth, bringing a crude intensity that left me wanting. For a place named Belly Shack, I expected to see elements of pork belly, but did not find any on the menu.  From restaurant name to menu, to menu items, Belly Shack lacks cohesiveness and depth, seeming like a crude mess put together with little thought.

  • 2.0 star rating
    4/10/2014

    The food is fine, but wouldn't drive me back. The service experience I had was the deal breaker. More than 10 minutes in between each of is getting our food so no one could eat together. I get that things happen in kitchens, so the telling piece is that no one cared. No sorry, no concern. Perhaps it's too hip to care; I don't know. I do know there are too many good places in Chicago for me to return to a place like this.

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    4/11/2014 Sam,

    I'm really sorry to hear about your experience, it is certainly not the norm. Please contact me…
    Read more
  • 2.0 star rating
    4/26/2013

    Grabbed a quick dinner here.  Very grey and utilitarian on the inside as far as decor.
    My husband and I walked in and this being the first time here for us we both stood in front of the menu board and gazed for a good 2 minutes trying to figure out what to order. All this happening while tge 20 something year old girl stood behind the counter and stared at us.
    A little customer service would have been helpful at this point. Maybe some guidance or even just a simple hello.

    We finally made our decision and we asked if they could leave out the mint. She bluntly told us there are no modifications.
    Hmmm, nothing like feeling right at home....NOT!!
    I will never be back because it just isn't a place I want to spend my money.
    The meatballs where good but they need to work on a little friendliness at the front of the house.

  • 3.0 star rating
    9/12/2013

    Had dinner here on a Wednesday night before a show at the Metro.   I was expecting a lot and it delivered on some points.   The iced coffee was excellent.   We had the lemonade of the day with yuzu, which was also delicious.   We started with an order of kimchi then a plantain sandwich, brown rice bowl and brussel sprouts.   Everything was quite good.   Nothing was excellent.   The brown rice bowl came out medium temperature wise.  
    I wanted to try the soft serve but ran out of time.   May come back for that!

  • 5.0 star rating
    8/8/2012
    1 check-in

    Hmog. This place was edgily delicious~ amazing flavor combos that won't destroy your wallet. :) The brussel sprout & chorizo app was insanely good, and there was even something special about the almond/banana yogurt sundae. SO GOOD!

    The one downside was that one of the girls working there was really rude, however, there was another girl there who was super nice soooo... I'mma let it even out. :)

  • 3.0 star rating
    10/4/2013

    Hot and sour soup tastes like a mom-Asian ventured into Asian cooking and tried to make Asian cuisine. The fried chips on top added a Mexican/fusion flair, but the taste of the soup itself was not there.

    The Belly Dog was yummy. Thick and juicy with kimchi and crunchies on top. The fries are good, but more crispy than I like.

  • 4.0 star rating
    4/21/2014
    1 check-in

    I got the special sandwich and enjoyed it. Will come back

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    4/21/2014 Herman,

    I appreciate you taking the time to leave a review. I'm happy to hear you enjoyed your…
    Read more
  • 4.0 star rating
    1/30/2014

    soo good, ive had the hot dog fries, meatball sand, and korean beef broicua, all were great, will definitely have to come back

  • 2.0 star rating
    1/19/2014
    1 check-in

    Extremely limited menu, poor combinations.

  • 4.0 star rating
    1/13/2014

    That kimchi dog is a stoner delight.

  • 4.0 star rating
    9/4/2013

    Went to dinner yesterday.
    Ordered: Korean BBQ beef, Marinated Chicken Sandwich, Fries with Curry Mayo.

    This place is amazing! The mayo blew my mind. The beef was so soft and perfectly accompanied with pita and kimchi. The sandwich had some pickled carrots I think. It was spicy and so tastey!

    Such a clever fusion menu. Simple, well priced, and a casual ambiance. Will be back soon .

  • 4.0 star rating
    5/8/2014

    Belly Shack rules, nuff said.
    Everyday specials are always fairly reasonibly priced and are always tasty. Be sure to make it there Thursday for the lechon tostadas. BYOB as well!

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    5/8/2014 Chris,

    Thanks for your review! I'm glad to hear that you enjoy Belly Shack and our Lechon Tostada.…
    Read more
  • 5.0 star rating
    4/17/2014

    Chef Bill Kim is the only one that gets me to eat stuff I don't like.  This guy is brilliant.  He pairs the flavors so well.  I love the Boricua and the sweet and sour soup.  Yum!!!  Also, the shrimp salad.  Heck, even the disgusting brussels sprouts are fantastic!

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    4/21/2014 Kermit,

    Thanks for taking the time to leave us some great feedback! I'm really glad you enjoyed the…
    Read more
  • 4.0 star rating
    6/18/2013
    1 check-in

    Super casual and laid back, BYOB, and GREAT belly dog with fries.  It may not be healthy but it was delicious.  The griddled noodles in the hot dog were a unique twist, however I found the bun to be a little thick and dense to be the perfect delivery vessel.  This hot dog was more about the accoutrements than the sausage and bun but a yummy dinner overall.

  • 2.0 star rating
    12/11/2013

    Not my cup of tea. I'm not a picky eater and enjoy pretty much everything, but had to wait a long time for food that made me feel like crap. I can't even remember what I had and if I can't remember ...that means it wasn't too appetizing and I probably won't ever go back here again. It was just a little too crowded for the space, probably because it's BYOB which is my guess why it looks so happening when you walk by. Give it a shot, but I'd definitely bring a case of beer or a bottle of wine to wash everything down.

  • 3.0 star rating
    3/4/2014

    Great place for some non traditional Korean food.  Interesting decor but be ready for self serve.  Order up front, pay and pick up your food when your name is called.

    Porkball sammich with soumen - weird yet so good and their Korean BBQ dish is really good too! Togarasi fries are a must have!

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    3/13/2014 Gerald,

    Thanks for your feedback! I'm happy to hear you've found several dishes that you enjoy, and…
    Read more
  • 4.0 star rating
    2/7/2014
    1 check-in

    Unique, fun, tasty.  Korean BBQ and fries.  If you like eclectic like me, you will like this.

  • 4.0 star rating
    1/20/2014
    1 check-in

    Food was good. I was expecting a bigger portion. Overall, I was happy, but still a bit hungry.

  • 4.0 star rating
    4/4/2013
    1 check-in

    I like when restaurants designate which of their dishes are gluten free. It makes things easier for me.

    The Belly Shack is smaller than expected. My husband and I met some friends here and we ordered some delicious foods. You order at the register and they bring it to you at your table. Like Noodles and Company. Except without the macaroni and cheese.

    I ordered the quinoa wraps. I tried to order the vietnamese coffee but apparently there's gluten in that (WHYYY).

    The wraps were good. They were do it yourself lettuce wraps filled with sweet quinoa, grilled mushrooms and various sauces. My dining companions also ordered good food, which included noodle bowls and beef bowls. The fries were good, apparently (not gluten free).

    The Belly Shack is good, but their GF menu is rather limited. It would be nice to have a few more options available.

    THANKS OBAMA

  • 4.0 star rating
    9/21/2013

    Stopped in today for an early dinner after passing by this place often. It was empty when we arrived so I wasn't sure if that was a sign. The place is small and understated.  The menu is small but interesting. We had the Korean BBQ beef, the Somen noodle salad and the Togarashi spiced fries. The serving size was smaller than one usually expects but I liked that. The BBQ beef had great flavor and was tender. The noodle salad was full of flavor. The tortilla chips soaked up the juices yet didn't get too soggy. The fries were tasty on their own and dipped in the curry mayo added extra kick. By the time we left there were at least 5 other tables and I'm sure it was just the start. I'd go back again anytime.

  • 4.0 star rating
    5/3/2012

    Belly Shack is a nice little spot right off the Blue Line.  I've had both the Belly Dog and the Asian Meatball Sandwich here, and I didn't regret getting either.  I also tried the bacon ice cream, which was also a hit.

    The Belly Dog is somewhat pricey at $9, but it's fully loaded, and it comes with the best fries I've ever had.  The togarashi-spiced fries are crispy and packed with flavor, but the star of this dish is the curry mayo it's served with.  Give me a bucket of those fries and that curry mayo, and I'm set!  The Asian Meatball Sandwich was also delicious (extra points for that wonderfully soft bread), although I'm not quite sure it's worth the $9 it cost, particularly since it didn't come with a side of fries.  

    On to dessert -- I'm a sucker for bacon.  I'm a sucker for chocolate chip ice cream.  Would I be a sucker for Belly Shack's bacon chocolate chip ice cream?  The answer is a resounding "yes!"  I know that a lot of people aren't fans of the savory ice cream offerings popping up at restaurants recently, but Belly Shack's doesn't stray too far from the traditional so it's not too much of a risk to try.  Plus, it's damn good!  

    I'd definitely come back to Belly Shack.  It's a good spot to grab a bite, and although the offerings are a bit pricey for what you get, they certainly won't break the bank.

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/12/2010

    I definitely prefer Belly Shack to Urban Belly.  Yes, both are arguably a little overpriced for what you get, but I loved the Korean-Puerto Rican fusion of flavors here.

    The meat in the Korean kogi sammich was so sweet and tender that I'm craving it right now.  Also, I love that the menu says 'sammich'.  Sammich verbage love.  The separate wedges of pita that come with the entree let you have freedom over how much meat you stuff into each pita.  I opted for the fork-some-beef-into-mouth-with-periodic-bites-of-­pita technique.  

    Not a fan of the giant communal table in the middle of the space.  It was kind of awkward for our party of 4 to share the fries with curry mayo... which may or may not have been a good thing because once you taste them, you might not want to share!

  • 2.0 star rating
    1/16/2012

    I didn't have a great experience at Belly Shack.  Now perhaps my food may have been 100% better had I been allowed to order my food without mushrooms (they really are my enemy, yuck!), but they refuse to modify any dish.  I'm vegan, so the only dishes I could get were loaded with those fungus things...I soon settled on french fries, but quickly acquiesced and got dish #2 as my bf became notably upset with the restaurant (we went out of our way to go to this one) - so I figured I could pick them out.  

    We also ordered the Tostones for an appetizer and I settled for mushroom dish #2.  My bf and I felt that the tostones were way too lemony...they were dripping in lemon juice, nearly inedible.  And while by bf enjoyed his meal, mine was flavorless (with the exception of those nasty mushrooms) and lackluster.  The tofu was mushy and flavorless, the tofu cubes definitely needed to be cooked some more.  Did I mention that there were a ton of mushrooms in there?  They told me they'd be easy to pick out, but there were so many!  

    I'll likely never return to this restaurant, especially since I cannot have mushrooms excluded from my meal.  And if you don't like things like...cilantro...they I'd stay away.

  • 4.0 star rating
    12/31/2011

    Acidic taste palettes rejoice. Everything on their menu seems to be limed up the ass here. (Which means it's perfect for me.) For example, the tostones have a lovely chimichurri sauce slathered all over it.

    Another lovely thing? The belly dog. Then the lovely bacon chocolate soft serve will round out your night.

    And I'm sure soon-to-be lovely, I'm really looking forward to trying their gluten-free take on a jibarito, the boricua.

  • 4.0 star rating
    11/27/2013

    Very hipster vibe.  The dark lighting makes for a cool atmosphere.  It's an order at the register and then sit down type of restaurant.  Also BYOB.

    I had the Somen Noodle Salad. It was cold noodles topped with tortilla chips, shrimp, mandarin oranges, and jicama.  It was very flavorful; hard to describe the flavor, but I would recommend it.

    My date had the asian meatball sandwich.  It is a meatball sandwich in a pita with noodles, mint, and a red sauce. He liked the sandwich but thought the sauce tasted a bit off with the meatballs.

    We also tried the spiced fries.  Personally, I did not enjoy them.  The fries themselves were pretty good, but I could not get used to the taste of the curry mayonnaise.

    I appreciated the unique options of the food, but I'm not sure that we (2 whiteys) can get used to the taste.  I might return to try the hot and sour soup and the bacon, chocolate chip ice cream.

    Overall, I was glad that I tried the place.

  • 3.0 star rating
    1/6/2013

    I was unfortunately not that impressed with Belly Shack. Out of the Asian meatball sandwich, a shrimp sandwich special, the brussels sprouts appetizer, and the togorashi fries that I shared with a friend, my favorite ended up being the $3 fries -- which I think says a lot.

Belly Shack - 227 Photos - Latin American - Logan Square - Chicago, IL - Reviews - Menu - Yelp
 

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  • 4.0 star rating
    6/3/2013
    6 check-ins

    Checked out Belly Shack this past weekend. I did my Yelp homework to figure out what I should order. The reviewers did not steer me wrong. I ordered the Belly Dog. I will preface this by saying that I am not a fan of hot dogs but I decided that this item was worth the risk. I LOVED it. The Belly Dog actually reminded me more of a sausage than a hot dog.  The togarashi fries with the curry mayo are well worth it. Best yet, the fries comes with the belly dog. The portion was a great size too. I was full by my last bite.

    I read about this being a restaurant where you order at the counter and then find a spot to sit. My anxiety was heightened at just the thought of having to hover to get a table. Luckily, I got there at a perfect time and we found a table right away (at 7:30pm on a Friday night). Over the course of the 90 minutes I was there, only at one point was there a line of more than 4 people.

    Loved that it was BYOB. The noise or rumble from the train was not noticable for me.

    Lasting impression was good and I want to return. Truth be told, I woke up the next morning wanting another Belly Dog. As I type this, I wonder if I should stop by Belly Shack on my way home for work for some takeout.

  • 5.0 star rating
    11/9/2012
    3 check-ins

    Belly Shack is my new obsession. Why? Well, I tend to become fixated on the latest and greatest thing I've eaten. Of course, Carriage House stood out, but then I ate Belly Shack. TWICE. And now it's all I want in the world.

    The hot and sour soup will cure any cold (and warm you to your bones). The Korean beef sandwich will feed you twice (with kimchi to boot). The fries with their curry dipping sauce will have you eating every last one. And the brussel sprouts with chorizo? They will make you want to eat your veggies all day long. I spent $20, but had leftovers to feed my husband dinner. It's not cheap, but it's a lot of food, and you'll want to try everything, trust me.

    The Asian meatball sandwich (with noooodles, mmm) is also quite good.

    It's also BYOB if you're feeling like you want to have a little booze with your beef. Why not, right? Wine/beer/liquor can only enhance this Korean magic going on here. Plus, its proximity to CTA will make getting here a breeze. (Parking is probably a bit tricky in this area.)

    So yeah. I'm obsessed for all of those reasons.

  • 4.0 star rating
    9/9/2013

    Came here with a friend. She RAVED about this place afterwards. As for me--I liked it, but not enough to call it my favorite.

    To preface, I'm not the biggest fan of fusion foods...and this place does it well. I LOVED the atmosphere of the place, loved the drinks, loved the fries, and my friend ordered the soft serve dessert and told me it was one of the best thing she had ever eaten. The service was super nice and they happily answered my clueless questions.

    So the one reason I'm not giving it five stars? Maybe it's just me, but it was simply too...much. I came hungry and left full, but in a squicky kind of way. I ordered the Boriqua sandwich and, while it was delicious, by the end of the meal I had such a heavy feeling in my stomach and grease had dripped everywhere onto the plate. I couldn't finish it--and keep in mind, I definitely can eat a lot.

    It is delicious though. You should probably just skip lunch before coming here.

  • 5.0 star rating
    3/10/2014

    The chicken boricua sandwich is quite possibly my favorite sandwich ever.

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    3/13/2014 Joe,

    Thanks for your review. I'm really glad to hear that you enjoy the Chicken Boricua - it's one…
    Read more
  • 5.0 star rating
    5/8/2013
    1 check-in

    TOGARISHI FRIES WITH DELICIOUS SAUCE (curry mayonnaise).  I had my friend Edward C. visiting for a gastronomical weekend in Chicago, and he said this sauce was the best thing he ate here (we also went to longman & eagle, lula, green zebra, etc. for comparison).

    I've been here twice: I like the hip vibe and the things they put on your table for them to bring out your order.  I also like it when places have short menus.  Very easy.  Also BYOB which I have yet to take advantage of

    Here's what I love:
    fries with sauce-there's curry, togarishi, fish sauce in the mayo, and it's addictive
    baricua sandwich: filled with your choice of stuff.  I really liked the tofu/bok choy fill between the crispy plantains.  This sandwich gets messy real fast.
    brussels sprouts with chorizo: unusual, with a bit of a vinegar bite, and quite tasty
    location: right below the western blue line stop.  so easy!

    here's what I like:
    soft serve with huckleberry lime: needs more lime (i'll ask for extra next time) but the tangy topping contrasts well with the creamy sweet soft serve
    belly dog: lots of noodle on top of this dog, and i'm not a big fan of noodles on a dog.  I do love the flavors though, and the papaya is nice
    korean bbq beef: big pile of beef served with bread and some sides.  I love korean bbq so there ya go!

    Love this place!

  • 4.0 star rating
    3/15/2013

    Having a kiddo at home has made us the masters of the five o'clock dinners. One plus is that most places are empty and we can get our food super quick. Belly shack was great for this as we were able to grab a good, unique meal in a casual environment.

    The special for the day was a pork sausage that packed a little heat. It was good but my favorite was the boricua with marinaded beef. I guess this is the same beef they use in their korean bbq beef sandwich. The beef was delicious and I may grab that next time. We also had the meatball sandwich and the tostones. We took home leftovers as these are pretty hefty portions.

    I would definitely come back since we were too stuffed to try their soft serve. I didn't get the fusion aspect on some dishes and the tostones weren't as good as my mom's (no one's ever are) but all in all a cool place for a casual fun dinner or lunch.

  • 4.0 star rating
    8/20/2010
    1 check-in

    My boo heard about Bill KIm and wanted to give this place a go. The concept sounds a little strange but it's surprisingly awesome. First of all the decor is super industrial with a lot of metal and urban art. The restaurant reminds me of New York.

    Here's what we had:

    -korean BBQ sando: yum! It's like going to a korean BBQ place except you don't wreak of BBQ after eating. I would have never thought to pair korean BBQ meat with pitas but it works. The spiciness and crunchiness of the kimchi cuts the sweet/ginger of the meat perfectly.

    -the noodle meatball sando: Another unlikely combination but meatballs sounded delicious. It's very strange seeing what looks like to be spaghetti in a pita but I went for it anyways and was pleasantly surprised.

    -fries with curry mayo: Curry mayo is 5 x tastier than ketchup. Yum. I could eat that curry mayo with just about everything and it would taste good.

    -bacon chocolate chip ice cream: Interesting flavor combo, but the execution fell a little short. The bacon wasn't very crispy and tasted like bacon bits. The cookie tasted a little stale.

    Skip out on the bacon chocolate chip ice cream but everything else is highly recommended. Innovative and delicious, this place gets the green light from me.

  • 4.0 star rating
    11/11/2012
    1 check-in

    This review is specifically for the BELLY DOG & Togarashi spiced fried w/ curry mayo.

    The first time I had the Belly Dog, I didn't know what to think.  I knew I didn't hate it, but I wasn't sure if I liked it (does that make sense?).  It was just unique.  Knowing, however, that I was going to be back in area the following week, all I thought about was going back to Belly Shack wanting to try it again.  Upon further review, I have decided that I am a fan of the Belly Dog!  

    The flavors of a quality all beef dog, the subtle sweetness of the pickled papaya, and subtle flavor and crunch of the egg noodles all blended well together.  They also add some kind of chili sauce and top it off with tostones.  Paired with fries, the curry mayo is strong in flavor, but not overbearing.  I do recommend bringing along a breath mint as the curry & garlic flavors of the mayo stick around in your mouth for a while.  The meal does have a bit a spicy kick to it.  I'm not a fan of spicy foods, but I can deal with it as I think it just adds to the flavor, and doesn't overpower it.    

    At $9, its a great deal.  Initially, I thought that it was expensive until I realized that I spend that much money at Taco Bell.  This is a high quality meal, worth the price.

  • 5.0 star rating
    2/22/2014

    I am Dominican and for me to say that the tostones here are one of the best I've had is something! This place hits all the spots of a small local joint. The decor inside is super cool and attracts to the neighborhood. I love that the food is made to order and that this place doesn't try to be much more and ruin a good name and spot. The location is great for them since it is downstairs from the Blue Line Western stop.

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    2/24/2014 Persio,

    Thanks for leaving a review of your visit! The tostones are my favorite, and I'm so glad…
    Read more
  • 1.0 star rating
    10/19/2012

    In this day and age, for a restaurant to not allow ANY changes or substitutions to their menu items is completely ludicrous.  I personally have food allergies and I have many, many friends with food allergies to foods like onion and dairy products.  I find it offensive and bad customer service for a restaurant to have a blanket policy of NO SUBSTITUTIONS under any circumstances.   One time I took a friend there, and we actually had to leave because he is allergic to Onion, and every item on the menu has onion in it.  

    Yes I like the food, but out of principle, I am not going to eat there anymore.  If a restaurant can't respect their customers, then they don't deserve my money.  There are just way too many food options in the area with restaurants that are more than happy to cater to my simple needs (I am not that picky).  And yes, having a policy of no substitutions under any circumstances is blatant act of disrespect.  They are basically saying, "We do not care about your needs, this is our policy, put up with it or don't eat here."

    Honestly, BellyShack reminds me of the Soup Nazi's from Seinfeld.  I put up with their policy for a very long time because I liked the food (overpaying many times for items that could have simply been substituted).  But If I don't stand up for what I think is right, then they will continue with their policy.   Perhaps, if enough people stop eating there then maybe they will see the light.  I KNOW, that I am not alone with people not liking their policy of no Substitutions under any circumstances.   I very rarely take the time to do something like this.  But I am fed up with their bogus policy and if I don't say something, then it will never change.  I hate drama, and I hate having to create uncomfortable situations  for people, but I am pretty pissed that I can't eat at a restaurant that I like because I have to follow my own principles.

  • 4.0 star rating
    11/1/2013

    Hubby was sick recently ... which was awesome. Because for the first time in the 8 years that we've been together, I got to indulge in all those comfort sick foods I love without actually being sick. It was great. One of the places that we sought out to nurse hubby back to health was Belly Shack. We ordered the hot and sour soup, Brussels sprouts, Korean BBQ beef and the meatball sandwich. The only thing that we didn't really care for was the meatball sandwich. The taste for the first few bites was good. But it suffers from the construction. It's so big and deep that all of the flavors on the top do not get down to the bottom, which is a little dry. Also, I know that this is a quick serve counter place, but the stool was pretty uncomfortable on my boney ass. That soup, though, is my new "sick soup." And the beef had really good flavor. I'm not much of a Brussels sprouts person, but I really liked that dish and would get it again. We'll be back here (hopefully both well).

  • 5.0 star rating
    3/6/2013

    I tend to avoid "fusion" foods because it usually means watered down and not good, but Belly Shack is awesome.  I love Latin and Asian foods, so the flavors here are right up my alley.  Everything I've ever had here has been awesome - the brown rice bowl, the plaintain sandwich, and specials.  Their specials change quite frequently and they're always great!

    I highly recommend getting a side of fries.  You won't be sorry, and the side is huge so you can easily share it with a few friends.  The soft serve desserts are also fantastic.  I love them all, but huckleberry lime is the standout combo for me.  It's like gourmet Fruity Pebbles.

    My only complaint is that the dishes are a bit salty, but saltiness aside, this is one of my favorite spots for casual dining.  And it's a great place to bring visitors because it's super unique and BYOB ;)

  • 5.0 star rating
    11/6/2012
    1 check-in

    Had the lunch special today which was roasted chicken with sweet potato infused with chorizo and chimichuri. Honestly it was incredible. I enjoyed this dish due to it's bold complex flavors. The chicken was moist and seasoned, and when you dragged a piece through the steal of the plate which was the sweet potato, well then, as Guy F. says, "welcome to flavortown". It really was a "special" meal. I also had a few Tostones which are the best in the city, IMO. They are covered in a cilantro-garlic oil, and after a few minutes of soaking in the basket they get even better than when they are first served. This place honestly is one of my top 50 in the city due to their uncanny ability to blend so many flavors into every bite. All in all, every time I go it's consistently great, and for that I have to give them a full fiver.

    Enjoy Suckas'!!!

  • 5.0 star rating
    10/11/2012

    Move over KimYe there's a new couple in town.. and its called PuertoKore.  Ok.. maybe it doesn't flow as nicely but this Puerto Rican/Korean fusion food was YUMMY!

    I was skeptical at first.  When i looked at the menu i was like this restaurant is having an identity crisis.. what are you? Puerto Rican?  Korean?  I became even more skeptical when i saw how limited the menu was.  (keeps reading.. keeps reading..) Oooh tofu!  Hmm.. maybe i can try something.    (keeps reading.. keeps reading)  Whaaaa.. Tostones!  Well if worse comes to worst I'll get an order of tostones.  

    Ok fine.. I'll agree on this double date.

    Rundown:
    Place is small, dark, sterile and not fancy at all although it is  BYOB.  Nice.
    No corkage fee.. even nicer!
    You place your order at the counter and they bring the food to your table.

    My bf and i shared the tostones and the fries.  I ordered the boricua sammich with tofu and he ordered the hot dog.

    Tostones: Amazing!  The chimichurri sauce was so lime-y and garlicky!  Yum.  I love lime tho... so if you're not a fan it may be a bit too much.

    Fries:  Nice and salty.  So fresh.  And the curry sauce was plate licking good.  

    Hot Dog:  Not sure since i didn't have a bite but my bf was practically orgasming next to me.  Simmer down dude, we're in public!  Sheesh.

    All the while .. i'm still waiting for my food.  The other couple with us got their food and yet I'm still waiting.  Umm..hello???  Oh well no matter, I'll keep stuffing my face with vino and tostones.  Finally our server came and apologized for the delay.  Without us asking she offered us some ice cream on the house for dessert.  

    Boricua:  Oh.  Em.  Gee.  This was so good.  So flavorful.  So warm.  So crunchy.  Even my bf liked it and he's 100% carnivore.  

    Ice Cream: Vanilla w homemade granola and bananas and hot fudge.  Oh so good.. and a perfect way to end our meal.  Props to our server for comping the ice cream.  

    All in all this place is spot on.  I'd def come back in a heartbeat.. Like today.. Like right now!  And so should you.. so stop reading this and GO! GO! GO!

  • 1.0 star rating
    10/27/2012

    So, I went to Belly Shack because I heard they had a vegetarian jibarito sandwich, which I was excited about trying.  Being a vegan, I asked what was in the miso sauce that they put on the tofu.  They said it had honey in it.  I asked if they could leave it off and the uninterested girl behind the counter, after consulting with the uninterested cooks, said 'No.'  

    I asked, 'Oh, is the tofu already marinated in it or something?'  And, she said 'No.'  And, I said 'But you can't just leave it off?  I have a dietary restriction.'  And, she said 'No.'  

    They REFUSED to leave the miso off, even if I had a dietary restriction!  That is totally ridiculous.  Yes, Belly Shack's food (I ate there once about a year ago) is slightly above other choices for a quick work lunch, etc.  But, they are not a fine dining restaurant who's food is sooooo precious that it will just be destroyed by making a small change.  Oh my god!! You want to leave something off our sandwich?  We just can't serve our visionary food that way.

    Ridiculous.  Will never eat here, or their lame new restaurant.

  • 1.0 star rating
    9/3/2011

    Belly Shack served me the worst imitation dolsot bi bim bap I have ever tried and it cost me $10 after tax!  All of the marinated veggies and meats were outrageously salty and saucy.  Because my meal was too salty, I had to order an extra bowl of brown rice and that cost me another $3.25. These people are trying to nickel and dime me to death!  Most Asian restaurants just give me additional rice for free.  Anyhow, while I tried to continue my meal with additional rice, one of the Belly Shack servers had the nerve to come up to me and say that I am not allowed to order rice again and the restaurant does not allow for additional side orders because it is considered a modification to the order.  SO? I've never been treated so rudely in a hipster run korean-wannabe fast food restaurant.

    Even though this restaurant is conveniently located under the Blue Line and has decent operational hours, I'll be sure that none of my friends will ever patronize this too-cool-for-school restaurant.

  • 5.0 star rating
    1/2/2013

    I got the Quinoa Ssam Salad - it was to die for!  So, so, so good!  The fries were also excellent.  We went around 6 on a Friday, so it was early enough where it wasn't too crowded but when we were leaving around 7ish, it was getting more crowded.  The place is BYOB too, which is nice.  Fun little place, if I lived closer I'm sure I'd go more often, but I will definitely be back!

  • 4.0 star rating
    11/10/2012

    Came here for a quick lunch last week and was pretty impressed. Korean BBQ Beef ($9) is grilled to a crisp but tender, and the marinade is bursting with flavor. Flat bread and kimchi provide perfect accompaniments. Hot and sour soup ($4) is piquant and very filling; hominy makes for an untraditional yet very interesting twist.

    Pricing is appropriate for food of this caliber, and service is fast. Couldn't possibly be easier to get to by public transit, as it's right under the el. What's not to love?

  • 4.0 star rating
    11/19/2012
    1 check-in

    Whenever I tell people I live in Bucktown they always ask "have you been to Belly Shack?" Finally, I can answer YES and with a SMILE! This place is phenomenal.  

    First, this place is BYOB and they don't get snippy with more than 2 bottles like other places.  I had the Korean BBQ Beef and while I usually hate Kimchi, I loved whatever version of Kimchi this is! It wasn't overwhelming and the meat was cooked into perfection. YOU HAVE TO HAVE the Asian Pork Meatball Sub, its life changing and your taste buds will thank me later! The lettuce wraps with quinoa were okay, but the tostones were stellar.  The tostones were exactly like they should be - crispy, with lime, and not overwhelmed with salt.  This place will change your mind on Korean food and its definitely a cheap date night. This place is small and casual so I would not come to visit with more than four people and eat fast because this place gets packed!

  • 5.0 star rating
    11/14/2013

    Solid. Unique. Consistent. Fresh. Refreshing. Local. Nuevo Korean. A wonderful part of the neighborhood. Go now.  Hot & Sour soup and meatball sand.  Are my goto picks.

  • 5.0 star rating
    2/17/2013 Updated review

    My new favorite at Belly Shack is their Friday seafood special.  The shrimp sandwich is delicious, a kind of sweet and sour panko crusted deep fried shrimp sandwich.  I bought a bottle of their Belly Fire sauce at Whole Foods in hopes of re-creating it at home, but no luck yet.  They also have a blackened tilapia with coconut grits.  I was a little disappointed with their portion size on the fish, but tilapia are smallish fish.  I think they alternate between the two for Friday, but if you happen to go when there's shrimp, definitely order that!  

    I'm a little surprised at some reviewers saying the staff is unfriendly.  I'm not sure what they are expecting.  It's counter service, they bring you the food.  Sometimes they go around filling people's waters.  They do not go around checking to see if everyone is enjoying the food.  The food is pretty self explanatory, it's all written on the menu.  Their service is efficient and no frills and utilitarian.  If people are looking for more attention, they should go to a restaurant that isn't counter service.

    5.0 star rating
    10/20/2012 Previous review
    Three must haves at Belly Shack: iced Vietnamese coffee, soft serve with cinnamon caramel, and… Read more
  • 3.0 star rating
    11/11/2013

    I got the belly dog and I did not really like it. Everything was better by themselves. If I ate them separately, I would have liked it more. The pickled green papaya had a very weird taste to the hot dog. The vietnamese cinnamon caramel soft serve ice crease was delicious though. Good balance of cinnamon and caramel to it.

  • 3.0 star rating
    11/10/2013
    1 check-in

    As someone who's not usually into Asian food, I was a little nervous about this place. Definitely surprised me. The corn we had as an appetizer was delicious and spicy. Then I had the belly dog-which was decent. A little overwhelming. The fries were AMAZING though! I would definitely return for the curry mayo.

  • 3.0 star rating
    4/29/2013

    MEH

    Communal seating always pisses me off. I want to be a loner and enjoy my food without the next people staring at me or listening to me talk to myself. Food is alright, I guess. I don't know why i was expecting more. Maybe im just awkward as hell but I get really nervous when people stare at me in the eyes while I eat.

  • 4.0 star rating
    9/2/2013
    1 check-in

    Decent food, really nice staff. I like it. The restaurant itself is pretty cool, the ambience is awesome. Its like....school cafeteria meets the ghettos of an urban Korea lol. The belly dog is a must try. Spicy and yummy! No changes or substitutions can be made to your order though. I think the owner doesn't want you and your insignificant preferences tampering with his food art. I don't care though, doesn't bother me. It's still good.

  • 1.0 star rating
    8/5/2012

    Are you people serious?  Hahaha.  

    So when we finally spotted the belly shack, tucked conveniently underneath the El tracks like a vagabond junkie, we thought it was closed.  There looked to be no lights on, and the dark decor betrayed us to think maybe we should come back later.  

    We walked inside to stainless steel tables, cafeteria style serving, dark gray walls with post industrial or vague revolutionary designs on them.  Kinda strange for an Asian fusion place.  Anyway, it felt out of step with the personality of the place and people that worked there.

    The menu is small with limited choices.  The portions are small.  The price is a little much for what they are serving.  The food tasted okay.  My girlfriend ordered some dish that looked like ramen noodles with nachos and shrimp.  

    If I want bulgogi and kimchi, I am going to spend the same amount of money and go to a Korean beef place, where they will slather me with beef and pickled vegetables like I am Kim Jong Il.

    Anyway, none of my complaints seem to want to stop others from coming here.  I mean, everyone on yelp seems to love the place!  So keep on going everyone, see if I care!  I'll just laugh every time I watch you walk in.  

    The place filled up quickly!  So get there at the right time if you want to eat there.  

    The mango dessert was incredible!

  • 4.0 star rating
    6/11/2014

    Belly Shack is a nice hidden gem under the Western Blue line stop. They have really good Korean BBQ beef (bulgogi). The staff was nice enough and I like that you can serve yourself (water / napkins). My only complaint would be the lack of beer selection.

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    6/11/2014 Jim,

    Thanks for taking the time to give us your feedback. I'm happy to hear that you enjoyed your…
    Read more
  • 4.0 star rating
    1/19/2013

    Plenty of seating early on a Saturday night and very convenient to the blue line (right under the Western stop).  

    I had the hot dog that was crazy and unique with fried noodles and papaya on top of a sturdy bun.  I've never had anything like it.  Paired with fries with an awesome curry sauce I was stuffed.  But not so full that I couldn't indulge in soft serve with cinnamon and caramel.  

    As others have mentioned, the food in my group came out pretty spaced out, maybe 10 minutes between when the first person got their food and the last person.  That would be something the restaurant could smooth out.  

    Prices are pretty average for the city.  I would go again just for the hot dog, but hope to try other parts of the menu.  Don't forget it's BYOB.

  • 4.0 star rating
    2/25/2010

    Stopped her on a whim, easy meter parking on Milwaukee for non CTA fans like me. Pretty busy little seat yourself BYOB. Yes I didn't realize it was BYOB either or I probaly would have been here a long time ago. We ordered and then I went to M & W food and liquor, like one block away to grab some booze. Super scary liquor store, the man at the register was verbally yelling/fighting with a customer who may or may not have been a bum the entire time I was there. They do have a pretty good selection of brewery beers though, also wine.

    Okay about time I get to the actual food. I had the Boricua, crispy plantain, black beans, marinated tofu, organic brown rice. It sounds kinda healthy but it was delicious !! Though very messy, ate the second part with a fork and knife which proved to be the key. My friend got the lemongrass chicken, she though it was just okay but I thought the chicken had great spices on it !! The people next to use kept saying how good the fries are so that is my next adventure.

    As full as we were the ice cream that came in little silver bowls looked so yummy. Its all vanilla softserve but comes with different toppings. We decided on the Vietnamese cinamon and carmel, mmmmmmm , it was definitley the best ice cream I have ever had, the carmel was amazing ! I will be going back as soon as possible for more of the ice cream and maybe to try the fries !

    Definitley a must try, but I probalby wouldn't be a regular.

  • 4.0 star rating
    2/26/2013
    1 check-in

    Love this place! The Blackened Tilapia and the Somen Noodle salad is amazing!

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/22/2011
    2 check-ins

    All I could think while waking to, ordering, and waiting at Belly Shack: get in my belly. Yes. The wise words of Mike Myer's character, Fat Bastard. Get in my belly.

    I'll be honest, I wasn't impressed by Belly Shack's sister, Urban Belly. It was okay, but not wow-ing. Belly Shack, however, was something different. It was a little more up my alley.

    Hidden under the Western Blue Line stop, this spot is so urban. You can tell by the decor. The seats. The walls. The graffiti. The order numbers.

    It's so street. The locale. The ambiance. The food. Forreal street.

    You're not going to get a bowl of rice with some pork belly. That's for communal seating restaurants, a la Urban Belly. At Belly Shack, you get food you eat with your hands. My girlfriend and I got the Belly Dog, Boricua with chicken, and hot & sour soup.

    The Belly Dog is topped with egg noodles, cilantro, and pickled papaya on a pita-type bread. Brilliant. Truly brilliant. Easily a strong competitor in a city with some top dogs. It's also served with togarashi seasoned french fries. The fries are SO good. They come with a dipping sauce, but I honestly thing they can go without it.

    The Boricua is...a sandwich I guess. Instead of bread, it's hugged by fried plantains. The sandwich also has brown rice, hoisin bbq sauce, and [in my case] chicken. It took two bites to get used to biting into plantains instead of bread. But I forgot about Wonderbread and began to fall in love with crispy yellow plantains.

    The one that surprised me most was the hot & sour soup. It wasn't traditional by any means. Imagine a bowl of hot & sour soup making a love child with tortilla soup. That's pretty much what you get with this Belly Shack bowl. It's so freakin' good.

    I was really hesitant after looking at the menu. Why? Because there weren't many choices. That kinda made me have high expectations. They've gotta execute these 16 dishes perfectly, or I would consider them a failure. But man. My guy Bill Kim knows what's up. Two e-props, dude. Two e-props.

  • 2.0 star rating
    8/25/2012

    First, there are way to many Fusion joints that focus on Korean BBQ.  Other than Kogi in LA and Bop N Grill in Chicago, I get disappointed when another Korean BBQ fusion joint pops out of the woodwork.  

    STILL, anything with Belly and Shack will get me in the door.  Ordered the Asian Meatball sandwich.  Tasted like 3 day old homeless cardboard with some "asian" sauce thrown in.  I wish I had four thumbs to give it four thumbs down.  Their menu said KOREAN SODA so I was expecting some 2%, Milkis, Chilsung, or strawberry Milkis (I love Milkis)... but no.  They had some Japanese tea in a can as the only option....

    The only saving point to this review were their curry fries. The curry sauce that went with these fries was blessed by Gandhi himself.  

    Interesting how so many people rated this place so highly....damn hipsters....

  • 3.0 star rating
    11/13/2013

    I wasn't that impressed by the goods here. I ordered the seasoned fries, plantain chips and meatball sandwich. The portions are huge but they don't need to be. I felt like the meatball sammich lacked flavor. Honestly, it could have been half the size and they could have added more of the fixings. Fries were good, the mayo sauce they come with made them! I also orders their chimichurri plantain chips which were delish!

  • 5.0 star rating
    12/15/2013

    I finally made it hear after hearing so much about it. It did not dissapoint! My wife and I orederd 3 different dishes: Asian pork meatball sandwich, korean beef bbq and somen noodles. All were very delicious and tasty. Some of the most flavorful food I have had!

  • 5.0 star rating
    11/3/2013

    Get anything with pork belly. This place is paradise after medicating. Definitely good for some unique pairings of Asian and Hispanic ingredients.

  • 4.0 star rating
    3/3/2011
    Listed in Western Eat-venue

    Solid, very solid.  I love Urban Belly and I approve of the Belly Shack concept.  However, while everything I ate was tasty, each item had an obvious weakness.  Were my expectations too high?  Is "very good but not quite perfect" really a problem at all anyway?  Eh.

    The thai pork meatball sandwich, case in point:  the flavor is great, but the texture is too homogeneous.  The meatballs are soft, the noodles are soft, and the bread is soft.  How about some crunchy vegetables in there to liven things up?

    The barbecue beef is somewhat too sweet and the accompanying kimchee lacks bite.  The somen noodle salad is tasty and interesting (particularly the exquisite cilantro dressing) but the corn chips are too salty.

    The brussels sprouts with chorizo--genius!  I love the brussels sprouts renaissance, and this side dish is a nice vegetable (although not vegetarian) accompaniment to a main dish or sandwich...but...there is too much chorizo!  I wanted to taste the vegetable more.  There was a little pool of grease in the dish.  Too much of a good thing!  Cut down the chorizo by 50% and this marvelous little dish would be ideal.

    Even the famous soft-serve with famouser Mindy Segal toppings was surprisingly normal.  Sure, mint-brownie bites atop vanilla ice cream is pretty darn good, but it was neither the best soft serve nor the best brownie that I've ever had.  And when you get the cinnamon-caramel variety, the ice cream is half-melted by the time it gets to your table.

    I have to admit that the hot and sour soup has no flaws.  I love the hominy and the occasional discernible cumin seed.  Two thumbs up on the soup.

    So...3.5.  I'll definitely eat there again.  And I'm sure that I'll enjoy it.  But am I the only one who thinks that each of these items is just one tweak away from greatness?

  • 3.0 star rating
    8/8/2013

    I was happy with some items more than others. The fries were not exciting, but plantains were good. The pork meatball sandwich is unwieldy to eat, the rice bowl was a touch too sour, the BBQ pork was a touch too sweet. The cold udon salad was my favorite. The dishes were not as well balanced as I would have liked, but they were okay if you had some of each. I don't think I'll be coming back, but glad I got to try.

  • 5.0 star rating
    3/16/2011
    1 check-in

    Holy Brussels Sprouts, this place is FAN-FREAKIN-TASTIC!!! My friend brought me here right before closing time on Friday night. We each had a nice beer to accompany our meal (it's BYOB, obviously). And the couple at the table next to us offered us their Goose Island Matildas because they couldn't finish them! (They were unopened, don't worry).

    I ordered the Belly Dog and had no idea what to expect. Luckily, I got something that was out of this world good. It was a hot dog with Egg Noodles, Pickled Green Papaya, and Togarashi Spiced Fries. The fusion of Cuba and Korea definitely works at this little place. The hot dog went down really quickly because I just couldn't get enough of the sweet and sour combo! Plus those fries were crispy delicious.

    My friend ordered the Organic Brown Rice topped with Chinese Broccoli, Mushrooms, and Kimchi. I got to try a few bites and loved the flavors and stickiness of the rice. Who knew healthy could taste so good?

    We also split the side dish of Brussels Sprouts mixed with Chorizo and I almost didn't let my friend try any of it. The salty chorizo really added to the flavor of the caramelized brussels sprouts. That is now officially one of my favorite dishes of any restaurant in Chicago! I'm gonna try to make it at home but it probably won't taste as good!

    Definitely give Belly Shack a try. And one day soon I'm going to try the original Urban Belly. Can't wait!

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/5/2013
    2 check-ins

    Been driving by this place for years and was in my way to Pei Wei for a quick bite before a movie and finally stopped by. I like all of Bill Kim's other places and was not disappointed. Inexpensive and flavorful as always.   Had the short rib and some beautiful plantains. Sandwiches looked great on the neighboring table. I look forward to going back and trying the rest of the menu.

  • 5.0 star rating
    11/3/2012

    Oh I have dreams about their tostones stuffed inside of their asian pork meatball sandwich.  Soooooo good, nom nom nom.

    Also, reasonably priced and with friendly staff.  AND, so easy to get to off of the CTA.  It's literally underneath the Blue/Western-OHare stop.

Belly Shack - 227 Photos - Latin American - Logan Square - Chicago, IL - Reviews - Menu - Yelp
 

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  • 4.0 star rating
    9/16/2012

    this is a great menu! i do agree with some of the other reviewers that it's a little pricey for what it is. but still, i think it's worth it if you want something quick and delicious. i came here with my friend and we split the belly dog, the asian meatball sandwich, the rice bowl with beef, and the brussels sprouts with chorizo.

    the meatball sandwich was probably the least remarkable but still really good. the meatballs were juicy and the noodles were a nice touch. i loved the chili paste on it and the pocket bread it came in was so soft and warm and perfect. the belly dog was so so good. if i had to pay nine dollars for a hot dog it would be this one. the pickled veggies on it were perfectly crunchy and the noodles were a nice touch for that carb overload feeling that sounds terrible but it actually great. the only thing i wasn't impressed by is the bun. but it did come with fries and a nummy dipping sauce. also had the brown rice bowl, which was kind of just bibimbop, but with beef and no egg. the beef was great - really tender and just a little sweet. the ratio of veggies to rice was right on too, which the kimchi actually not that bad, though i like mine a little more pungent and spicy.

    the best thing we had was the brussels sprouts! they were so so good. too greasy and a little too salty, but the flavor was right on. i would definitely come back and i know i'd get them again. plus i'd want to try some of the desserts some time.

  • 4.0 star rating
    9/8/2013

    I'm still dreaming about the Belly Dog! Topped with Chilli paste, crispy egg noodles, and served with a side if spicy curry mayo, it's the best $9 I've spent on a hot dog.  Order a side if kimchi to top off your dog,  and you'll be dreaming too!

  • 2.0 star rating
    5/7/2013
    1 check-in

    Dark and friendly,  peanut butter marzipan was  sub par. It crumbled like dust. I guess if you live near there you'd go there, but no reason in my mind to make the trip to eat there.

  • 4.0 star rating
    10/22/2012

    A very solid option for a quick and delicious meal. They have a small menu but still manage to have options like vegan and gluten-free. I'd rather a place does a few things well than do a lot of things mediocre, anyway.

    It's a quick-casual concept, so you have to get your own water, but that's fine. The counter service has always been friendly. The interior is a little stark but industrial, intentional kind of way.

    I enjoy the brown rice bowl that's basically a take on bibimbop. All of the sides are tasty. Tostones with chimichurri is always a winner with me.

  • 5.0 star rating
    8/19/2011
    1 check-in
    Listed in EAT HERE!, Tour de Asia

    Affordable. Unique fusion. Delicious. Mmmmmm.

    Being a fan of Urban Belly, I ventured to Belly Shack for lunch. Well done, Bill Kim!

    The somen noodle salad and the korean beef bbq were quite tasty. The asian pork meatball sandwich, albeit intimidating in size, was finger-licking-good. Just when I thought things couldn't get better, I discovered Belly Shack is byob.

    Total win.

  • 3.0 star rating
    6/29/2012

    Barely edible....so salty.

    Otherwise it was good.

  • 4.0 star rating
    12/8/2010

    I suk muchos at the written and spoken word

    I also sukc at the speling and review thingy.

    this is more of a memoir memento note to self to remind me the food is way tits, the people are nice enough and its close enough to the train to grab an eats before you venture out into the cold cruel and ass grabbin world.

    the times I've been here its better to dine with someone more attractive than to look at your reflection in a spoon as the digestive juices do flow better, but the servers can serve as proxy.

    the street view is urban boxy, not so manicured, but hill street blues chic.

    the atmosphere is shacky if this is a word which most likely is not.

    I once had a spicy dish here with jalapenos and somehow got some hotjuice on the hands prior to rubbing my eyes.
    note to self. do not do this again please.

    good foods, t2o bad this review is the suck. sorry bill.

    kudos!

  • 4.0 star rating
    4/7/2012

    I've worked around the corner from this place for something like 6 months.

    Or 5 months or whatever. Math is clearly not my strong point.

    My strong point is eating. And now my favorite thing to do is eat at Belly Shack.

    And if you are stupid and you hate things like, "BYO restaurants" and "really delicious sandwiches" and "establishments that split tips between the kitchen and counter staff so TIP THEM" - then I have two words for you:

    Meatball. Sandwich.

    (You're welcome.)

  • 5.0 star rating
    9/19/2013
    1 check-in

    Delicious... simple menu, but complex flavors!!!

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/6/2012

    I've been a patron of this location for about as long as it's been open- and I all I can say is, mmmmmmmmmmmm. Food has been consistently amazing, service really nice, and the speed in which they're fresh making items is crazy.

    Definitely, DEFINITELY get the Belly Dog (with fries/curry sauce) and the hot and sour soup.

    It's also BYOB, which is great, and for under $20 you can get a full meal; even better, get it to go and bring it to Green Eye next door. Patio + Bellyshack + tasty draft beers = super great timez, brah.

    However, the constant flow of little kids screaming inside kinda throws me off (however, there ain't nothin' to be done about that).

  • 4.0 star rating
    6/27/2012

    I've tried a couple of their main dishes/specials, but I have to say the thing that has got me addicted most to this place is the fries w/ the curry sauce.

    I don't know what it is about the fries, but the sauce and seasoning is phenomenal. Be sure to add them to your meal. :)

    and also try the yuzu lemonade!!

  • 5.0 star rating
    9/24/2013

    One of my favorite restaurants in Chicago. I had the Korean BBQ beef plate, and it was delicious. Also, tried the Asian meatball, which was solid.

  • 5.0 star rating
    12/9/2012

    I love this restaurant! I'm a big fan of traditional korean food. This is a different twist on it, but utilizes the same key ingredients and flavors with a touch of puerto rico.  Who knew the combination would be so magical?  

    The food always comes out hot, fresh, delicious and bursting with flavor.  The service, although counter service, is friendly and willing to accommodate.  Here's what I order when I go there:

    organic brown rice with tofu:  the rice is browned, crispy and delicious. The flavor along with the kimchi (which is amazing) is outstanding.

    korean bbq beef:  delicious with a little kick of heat.  

    Boricua sandwich:  amazing.  It's like the amazing puerto rican sandwich (jibarito) but better, if possible.  Hot delicious, fresh, crispy garlicy (but not too much).  My mouth is watering thinking about it.

    SIdes:  all of them are delicious. We usually get the fries and the plantains.  The chimichurri-like sauce they come with are delicious, too.

    I know I keep saying amazing and delicious, but I'm not sure how else to describe it.  I enjoy every single bite. I want to try the meatballs and will next time.  It's worth the drive to the odd location under the train tracks.  I love every bite of it!

  • 5.0 star rating
    10/9/2013

    Great food. Very convenient.
    The soft serve ice cream is unique. I am not aware of any other place in town that has anything like it.

  • 5.0 star rating
    11/11/2013

    LOVE THE BELLY SHACK.  Our order here is always Belly Dog, brussel sprouts, special and then finish with delicious ice cream.  The first two items are amazing and the specials are constantly changing, always unique and never bad.  The yuzu lemonade is also a nice twist on traditional lemonade that I almost always get when it is offered.

    I can't recommend this place enough.

  • 3.0 star rating
    6/14/2011

    Came here with 3 other people and we ordered almost everything on the menu to try. It was fun but it left me not having enough of some of my favorites. I feel like I'll need to go back for another deep-dive.

    Some good combinations, but also some strange or maybe trying too hard.

    Meatballs in pita - Good but not amazing
    Hot Dog - Strange...I liked this combo but it was hard to eat

    Those were the two that stood out the most. Also....save room for ice cream! It is AMAZING...and if there is anything with caramel sauce it is VERY worth it!

  • 1.0 star rating
    4/4/2013

    me: "What kind of bread is the blackened tilapia open-faced sandwich served on?"

    she (offhandedly and disinterestedly): "uh, well its the same bread as the blah blah sandwich and the blah blah, you know?"

    me (too hungry to tell her that I've never had either of those items and that she didn't answer my question): "okay I'd like to try it."

    Server brought my fish-on-squishy thick split flatbread, and when she set it on the table the fish rolled off the bread and landed half off the plate.

    Her response: quiet giggle then walked away.

    Fish was well-spiced and well-cooked, but whoever conceived of putting a filet of fish on top of slippery chewy bread twice the thickness of the fish needs to reexamine their inspirations.

    Belly shack puts so much salt on the food that I always drink a gallon of water after.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/31/2013

    I would like to have a Boricua sandwich and tostones from Belly Shack as my final meal. I'd say that's about as good of an endorsement as one can give. Just go here if you haven't already. If that's the case you must be from out of town, because everyone's been here by now. So then, if you've been here already, go again, or don't go, so I won't have to wait in line.

  • 2.0 star rating
    11/3/2013

    This place is not very nice to you!!!!

    I don't like this place too much because the people there are mean for me when I try to ask questions to them! So mean!

    The food was very expensive and not even that good and the man at register was not even nice when I tried to talk to him!

    I like ice cream and they have that there but I don't want to go back to it!

  • 5.0 star rating
    10/15/2013

    A trendy counter just beneath the Western stop on the blue line, Belly Shack serves up innovative street eats while toting two Michelin Bib Gourmands.

    Check out my full review with food porn here!

    thebuckwheater.com/belly…

  • 3.0 star rating
    2/7/2012

    With David Chang and Roy Choi rising to Korean bad boy chef stardom in New York and L.A., Bill Kim must have seen his moment.  With its semi-grungy semi-industrial street art decor, Belly Shack looks like a trendy spot run by a male Korean-American chef in his thirties.  Chef Kim probably likes old school hip hop, and his picture confirms that he wears both a mustache and a beanie.

    I'm not saying Belly Shack is derivative - it just fits into a family of restaurants that has met wild popularity in our nation's largest cities.  It turns out Korean flavors are adaptable and delicious, and Chef Kim has married his culinary heritage with that of his Puerto Rican wife.  It's a "Ko-Rican thang."  Fair enough.

    Michael K. and I met Janice K. here for our last meal in Chicago.  We showed up early, and it was empty.  We had a roomy table, with plenty of space for our luggage, too.  I liked Belly Shack's set-up.  It was comfortable and casual, but definitely stylish.  We ordered our meal from a young, good-looking cashier, and our food came out quick.

    The meal started off great, with edamame, hot and sour soup, and Brussels sprouts and chorizo.  The edamame was good, tossed with shallots and a heavy portion of "Seoul sauce."  I figured Seoul sauce would be some combination of soy sauce and sesame oil, but it was more interesting that, with a nice spice and vinegar tang.  The edamame weren't quite addictive, but they were good.  The soup and the Brussels sprouts were easily the highlights of the meal.  The soup was an Asian take on tortilla soup, with hominy, chicken, and cilantro in a bright, delicious, invigorating broth.  I rarely have tortilla soup, but this was, somehow, my second of the day.  It beat Topolobampo's fancier version by a zesty mile.  The Brussels sprouts and chorizo were superb, sauteéd just soft enough.  The flavors were bold, with fish sauce and cilantro chiming in with the sprouts and sausage and crushed tortilla chips.

    From here, though, the meal went downhill, with the rest of our food falling a bit short.  We ordered three entreés, and none of them did much for me, though there were things to like about each one.  First, we tucked into a Boricua with Korean BBQ beef.  This was a clever sandwich, served between two large flat slices of crispy fried plantain.  I liked the starchy effect of the plantain.  The marinated beef was also tasty, and it was accompanied by some brown rice and Hoisin BBQ sauce.  This was probably my favorite of our main dishes, but even so, nothing popped for me.  The brown rice was pretty mushy and non-contributing, and I wanted a little more spark.  Actually, a table bottle of sriracha would have gone a long way here.  The Belly Dog showed a similar level of fun and innovation in concept.  This was a hot dog in pita bread topped with egg noodles, crispy shallots, and pickled green papaya.  I liked the texture of the egg noodles, which were sometimes crispy and sometimes soft and fully cooked.  Again, though, this did little in the way of wowing.  Again, sriracha might have been the missing link.  The dog came with a side of togarashi spiced fries with curry mayonnaise, and these were decent.  The fries weren't memorable, but the curry mayonnaise hit the spot.  Finally, there was the Asian Pork Meatball Sandwich, a ridiculous football-sized pita stuffed with meatballs, somen noodles, Korean chili paste, and mint.  This one had a nice drizzle of hot sauce - not sriracha, but ggojuchang.  It didn't save the day.  The size was silly.  The sandwich was really hard to eat, and ultimately, not worth the effort.  The meatballs were flavorful but not particularly delicious, and the somen noodles that took up most of the space were pretty untextured and bland.

    For dessert, we shared a soft serve with bacon chocolate chip, and this was pretty good.  The soft serve was creamy, and I liked the little bits of bacon.  The chocolate chip cookie chunks, though, were hard and possibly stale.  Still, it was a nice way to end the meal.  Maybe better with sriracha.

    I'm only half kidding about the sriracha.  I don't actually think sriracha improves everything, but it's a great shortcut to Yumsville when you're not going to make it on your own.  I put it on Domino's, Costco frozen cheeseburgers, that sort of thing, as well as almost all leftovers.  Of course, sriracha also goes well with a lot of great food (see, e.g., David Chang's pork buns).  Belly Shack's food would make sense with sriracha, and since some of it can use a flavor boost, I don't think putting some on the table would be a bad idea.  I think this place has a lot of potential, but the execution was not always there.  If the deliciousness of the soup and Brussels sprouts could find its way into everything else, Belly Shack would be a gem.  In the meantime, cock sauce in a squeeze bottle might take you part of the way.

  • 5.0 star rating
    3/29/2013
    1 check-in

    This place was hands down the best eating experience I have had in a whiiiiile. Most places with this sort of  cool/chic/ultra urban/modern-ambiance have a douchey attitude coming out the seams. This place however was surprisingly the complete opposite of what you would expect when it comes to the "douche-bag" factor. We ordered the special of the day, blackened tilapia over coconut grits, the brussels sprouts with chorizo, and the quinoa salad. I literally COULD NOT STOP talking about how delicious everything was - my wife can attest to this. I have to mention that the woman who took our order was superb at her customer service skills - again not something you'd expect from a place where you order at the counter. I loved this place so much I am going back tomorrow - I only have 3 more days in Chicago so I just might go everyday! Great job all around Belly Shack owner/staff!

  • 3.0 star rating
    9/19/2010

    This place comes in very handy, when you have a friend who is stuck at O'Hare on a long layover, and who calls you to ask if you can meet for lunch. And you say: "take the blue line to the Milwaukee stop, go downstairs and meet me at Belly Shack." Did that today.

    Good food, very gracious and friendly service, but a little bit askew the "good value" scale. (Of course, this doesn't matter if your friend is paying, now does it?)  I loved the Kimchee. They were pushing a hot dog which we both had. Marvelous flavors and sauces, but I still fundamentally don't like hot dogs. We shared a tasty over-priced chicken soup. The spice or heat of all the items was perfect. Stimulating but not overwhelming. Great fries and dipping sauce.

    I would go back to try some other things. It is a very creative concept. And I'd recommend it to any of you O'Hare hostages who have a few hours to kill. Come here, have lunch, wander down Milwaukee to Wicker Park, then hop back on the Blue Line. Then you can tell all your friends back home you had a Latin/Korean lunch.

  • 5.0 star rating
    10/24/2013

    Sandra loved Belly Shack. The atmosphere is very down to earth, eerily peaceful and eclectic. We felt like we were on a vacation in Jamaica as the soft drum music played in the background.

    The food was delicious and very reasonably priced. The soup was just right- hot with a little kick- and warmed us up. The Korean beef was so tasty and was very similar to the beef short ribs at their sister restaurant belly q. The cinnamon caramel ice cream sealed the deal. I can't wait to go back and try the hot dog.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/10/2010
    1 check-in

    Vietnamese Cinnamon Salted Caramel Soft Serve Ice Cream....
    Can I get a witness?!?  Damn, the cold cream was THAT good.

    The decor is urban minimalist, service is impeccable, and the owners are fantastic.  Yvonne and Bill are two rocking individuals LIVING the dream.  You ever wondered about the food flavors created by a Korean & Puerto Rican?  Check out the goodness of Belly Shack and gain a whole 'nother meaning behind FUSION.

    Fearing I would be stuck in meetings with no lunch options around my hotel, I ordered a Korean BBQ KOGI SAMMICH with kimchi and sogi paste TO GO. I also sampled the tostones. BOMB BOMB BOMB.  The food was flavorful, and I wish I could have eaten more.

    It's not too often that you find a joint that warms the belly and the soul.  Check out the website, and I hope another "shack' comes west to California!

    ******Support the Mom and Pop joints********

  • 4.0 star rating
    10/22/2012
    1 check-in

    Before I start this review, I would like to make a shout-out to my folks back in Southern California for pioneering the Koreatino/Mexorean food craze. Sorry, Chicago, but Kogi did it first and did it right.

    California reppin aside, I checked into the peculiarly named Belly Shack located in the Bucktown community area of Chicago not knowing what exactly to expect, so I ordered something that I was more familiar with to play it safe: Korean beef. When the dish came out, I was definitely a little heartbroken at the small portion size. Being that I was living off a research stipend and I was on a relatively rigorous workout routine, I was really hoping for portions more likened to those at Lao Sze Chuan than those at the Girl and the Goat. Nevertheless, the quality of food did not cease to excite my taste buds. The beef was cooked to perfection and the Korean-styled seasoning and preparation really hit the spot. In addition, the bread and kimchi were welcome complements to the beef.

    Still, I am/was slightly disappointed by the small portion size, and after the meal, I made the quick walk over to Arturo's Tacos to grab some burritos to make up for the missing Mexican aspect of my dinner and to satisfy the missing "Belly" component of my dinner.

  • 4.0 star rating
    2/24/2012
    1 check-in
    Listed in HAAAAAY, CHICAGO

    Belly Shack was our professional chef friend's #1 must-eat Chicago destination, so naturally my boyfriend and I trekked over there to scope it out. I loved everything I tried so much that it's been months since I went and I still remember it all:
    + the Belly Dog - heavenly
    + plantain chips - I die for plantains and these were spectacular
    + brussels sprouts with chorizo - mmmm I die equally for brussels sprouts
    + kimchi - I don't even like kimchi but this was tops

    We BYOB'd some 32s from the liquor store down the street and it was the perfect meal. One of the owners even sat and chatted with us for a while when she found out we were from San Francisco. It's funny because I always hear people say that the foodie culture in SF is so warm, but I've never had a chef start a conversation with me at home. They will often talk AT you about their food, but that is not a real conversation. At Belly Shack, the owner (Yvonne?) was really nice and just shot the shit with us for a few minutes before leaving us to finish our feast. I thought it was great.

  • 3.0 star rating
    11/16/2010

    Love the meat ball sandwich and really I can just take 10 of those meatballs each time.
    Other stuff are all pretty good, but nothing too outstanding.  The thing is... if you go with a group of 4, you will pretty much have tried everything there.  So what will we try next time?

  • 3.0 star rating
    4/16/2014 Updated review
    1 check-in

    Came in for lunch today, rice bowl was great as always. Still no high chairs. I know a good handful of moms who would like to go there for lunch, but can't.

    3.0 star rating
    2/11/2014 Previous review
    We live in the neighborhood and have gone here a couple times. Good food (great flavor on the fries… Read more
    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    2/20/2014 Hien,

    I appreciate you taking the time to give us your feedback, I will be discussing with the…
    Read more
  • 2.0 star rating
    3/1/2012
    1 check-in

    I was really aiming for a two and a half star on this one.  My husband and I were in Chicago and we had high expectations for this place. You walk in and there is a counter in the back were you place your order and pay. Then you find a seat and the food is delivered to you. We ordered the belly dog, the daily special ( I don't remember what it was), and an order of the fries. The belly dog was ok. I thought it was far too sweet. It needed some balance. The special, whatever it was, wasn't very impressive ( obviously if I can't even remember what it was). The fries took the show. They were delicious in my opinion. My husband thought they were good, but he wasn't as obsessed as I was.

    We ordered some of the soft serve ice cream later. My husband ordered the bacon chocolate chip. It was ok. Not nearly enough bacon. I ordered the cinnamon caramel. It was delicious, but nothing to write home about.

    Overall it was a mediocre experience.

  • 4.0 star rating
    4/3/2013
    1 check-in

    On my third visit, I still maintain this is Bill Kim's best effort. The hot and sour soup is just hearty enough, the quinoa ssam is pretty tasty (although not particularly high in flavor) and entertaining to assemble without being annoying, and the brussel sprouts with chorizo are tasty. I didn't have the soft serve this time - trying to avoid dairy - but I remember from last time it was delicious. No wait this time, which is nice for a change!

  • 3.0 star rating
    2/27/2012

    -Service was weird--we were told there would be a 40-minute wait, BUT DON'T GO ANYWHERE! We ended up waiting 20.

    -The jibarito thing was good, especially with the accompanying sauce. The rice was fantastic, which I think is saying a lot for rice.

    -The tilapia was ok--a tiny bit dry, and I didn't really notice the curry tartar sauce that was supposed to be on it. You'd think you'd notice a thing like curry tartar sauce.

    -The squash was good, but I felt like I could have done it myself, which always leaves me feeling cheated and regretful about having spent money in a restaurant. Also, I didn't really notice the pho spices. Phantom flavor accompaniments seem to be a theme.

    -The soft serve seemed creamier than the stuff you'd get at Dairy Queen, which was good. The bacon chocolate chip cookie was a bit over the top, too salty. I would have liked the option of a cookie without bacon. The blondie topping was great. I look forward to trying other flavors.

  • 4.0 star rating
    4/11/2012

    Damn, this place is good. Well done Chef Bill Kim, well done.

    Asian Pork Meatball Sammy - Huge sandwich for a big appetite. Giant Asian (meat)balls that pack a ton of flavor on their flat bread. I think their bread makes the sandwich, light and fluffy and a good vessel for the meatballs. The hint of mint was surprising and refreshing. It offset the Korean chili paste and wasn't too spicy. Loaded with Noodles on top? Not the crispy noodles, soft and delicious. I could eat this sandwich daily. Priced at $9, some will complain, but seems pretty consistent with other Chicago eateries. Wish it came with a side though. My only complaint was I think my meatballs were slightly undercooked, pink in the center. This didn't bother me much but to others maybe.

    Belly Dog - Like a hot dog on steroids. Again, the flat bread makes this unique hot dog even better. The pickled papaya and crunchy egg noodles on top make for a big tasty bite... this guy gets messy. With a little curry mayo on top, this was one of the best hot dog's I've ever had. Added bonus, the #4 Belly Dog comes with a side of Togarashi spiced fries. These were delicious when dipped into the curry mayo. They were a bit salty with the spices, but really good nonetheless. Worth the $9.

    The #11 brussels sprout & chorizo side was also really good. I have a weakness for brussels sprouts. Makes me think I am eating healthy, even if it is cooked with deliciously greasy chorizo. This was good and a sizable portion for $5. Easily shared for 2.

    Last but not least, the bacon chocolate chip ice cream was... for lack of better words... good as fuck. I have a crazy sweet tooth, always needing dessert to end my meals and always snacking on ice cream. And of course, I love bacon. Bacon makes everything better. They make they ice cream to order here, which I thought was cool. The girl cooked up their delicious concoction on a burner like it was some science experiment that turned out deliciously wrong. She poured the mix into the machine that magically turned it into ice cream. It was like magic before my eyes. Bacon bits and choco chip cookie crumble on top topped this off. I might be stopping in just for a cup of ice cream.

    The Vietnamese Cinnamon Caramel was also good. Like other reviewers, I don't see how this is Vietnamese but you can definitely taste the subtle cinnamon flavor and the caramel on top was nice. Needed something crunchy, but this was also carefully crafted over a burner. Very cool.

    This place is pretty simplistic but speaks loudly with it's flavors. My first experience with Latin-Asian fusion and I was pleasantly surprised. Some will say it's expensive, but $35 for a meal for 2? Not bad at all, plus I was stuffed. I will be back to try the rest of the menu... and maybe even a t-shirt.

  • 5.0 star rating
    8/25/2012

    This is in my hood. I've gotten the boriqua sandwich and the brown rice bowl. I've had the tostones and the fries there. I go here at least once a week. Listen to what I say, this is great food, great seasoning AND it's BYOB.

    The place is such a refreshing concept and the quality is great. The people there are friendly and I've never gone wrong with any of the food options. I even brought my friend who has a gluten allergy and she was surprised at how awesome the food was.

    And did I mention it's BYOB? Do yourself a favor and visit this place for amazing latin korean fusion fare.

  • 4.0 star rating
    9/18/2013

    The food is weird, expensive, and can take a while, so why do I keep coming back? Because the combination of Latin and Asian flavors makes the food unique - and I like unique. The Tostones (plantain's with chimchurri sauce) are incredible. Just be warned that they'll come when you're either midway through your entrée or finishing it up. I like the Korean BBQ Beef and Asian Pork Meatball Sandwich as well, but moreso because they're so different than because I'm blown away by the taste.

  • 5.0 star rating
    1/18/2011

    I'm giving the Belly Shack all 5 stars- for price, food, and staff :)

    I already knew that the food would be great, but what surprised me is that they went out of their way to make sure we were all seated together!

    We had a group of 9 and it was Saturday night (this past Saturday).  We did not anticipate that we would sit together but one of the staff asked us to just wait ten minutes and they would have a table ready for us.

    What service!  We stood patiently, held onto our wine bottles, and chatted for what seemed like 5-10 minutes and we had a table just for us.  After we ordered the food was out in a flash...so fast, so friendly, so tasty!
    Thanks Belly Shack...your food was awesome but your staff was even better :)

  • 5.0 star rating
    3/5/2012

    Oh Belly Shack, you are as delicious as you are conveniently located. As tasty as a warm spring morning, as exotic as... some really exotic thing.

    Belly Shack is a curious but amazing hybrid of Latin American and Asian-inspired cuisine. Hitting on all the right notes the food is addictive and inspiring, combining savory with spice, heat with sweet. The service is always top-notch and as long as you hit them up before 8pm you won't have any difficulty finding somewhere to sit in the cozy but welcoming space they inhabit, tucked under the Western Blue Line stop.

    My personal favorite meal there is to start off with the tostones, a bevy of fried plantain chips coated in tangy, yummy Chimichurri; follow that with the boricua sandwich (beef, please!) with its layers of brown rice, tender beef, hoisin sauce all on fried plantain. It's a fantastic bite and so, so delicious.

    The place is relatively well hidden despite being right on Western Ave but it's well worth the search. Belly Shack is an outstanding pick for outstanding cuisine.

  • 4.0 star rating
    6/9/2012

    Korean BBQ beef with Chef Bill Kim's tasty as heck kimchi.  Togarashi fries with curry mayo.  That's the recipe for a lovely afternoon lunch.

    I would say Urban Belly is overall more satisfying, but I do like the flavors and concept of this joint.  I would definitely go again.

  • 4.0 star rating
    10/27/2010

    I only wish that this sort of place could be found where I live, but only Chicago, NY, LA, could make this go!
     This is a whole new type of cuisine, a fusion of flavors that only resembles things which we are familiar. It's bold brash and strong. You will need water and a breath mint at the very least after. Various Asian meets latin? It's for the adventurous eater. It's on the edge and I love it! Not everything works but I love the reach, the mix, the concept! My only question was the fryer oil? Hum?
      Hungry? Brave? Open mind? Open your mouth to the Belly Shack!

  • 3.0 star rating
    12/17/2010
    1 check-in

    Everything went right until I took a sip of the Hot n Sour soup, meh.

    #2 Brown rice dish was fabulous and healthy
    #3 Pork Meatball sandwich was delicoius with a spicy kick.

    and then the Hot n Sour soup to wash it all down wasn't all that. Wish I can rewind that order.

Belly Shack - 227 Photos - Latin American - Logan Square - Chicago, IL - Reviews - Menu - Yelp
 

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  • 4.0 star rating
    8/23/2010
    1 check-in

    Last Friday I had just finished post-work gym time so I was ravenous for a late lunch (I heart summer hours). I called up my friend who, as a teacher, was also done for the day and asked if she'd like to meet me for a bite. Based on our locations we decided that the perfect place to meet would be Bucktown and the Belly Shack immediately came to both of our minds.

    Neither of us had ever been there but we had both been wanting to go for some time so admittedly we were really excited. I was coming via Blue line (man, is this place convenient to get to or what?) so I got there earlier than my buddy who was driving and looping around looking for parking. The space was empty (4pm on a Friday) but the staff wasn't pushy or miffed when I sat down without ordering anything right away. The gal behind the counter brought me a couple of menus and told me to take my time. I love not being rushed!

    When my friend arrived we devised our plan of attack. I'm attempting to do this "healthier eating" thing but I also wanted to be sure to try some things I wanted so we decided to split a few items so we could enjoy a few things without feeling completely guilty (ha). We both went for the Korean BBQ Kogi "sammich" and since we were both craving french fries we agreed to split the Togarashi Fries with curry mayonnaise. She got their house made lemonade which I tried and immediately regretting not getting myself (to the point where I didn't even finish my sad Diet Coke out of protest).

    The BBQ was excellent. As explained by other reviewers on here the "sammich" comes to you in a basket with flat bread on the left, BBQ beef in the center and then the kimichi on the right and it's up to you to arrange these the way you'd like on your bread. Oh man, YUM. The beef was cooked perfect, tender and juicy. The sauce was nice and sweet with a little oomph. The kimichi gave it a nice ginger bite.  The fries were perfect! Warm and crispy and that curry mayo? Oh man. I've been craving that stuff since!

    After a moment to digest my friend and I decided that we HAD to try the ice cream. Being that I'm a little over bacon since my attendance at Baconfest in April I lobbied for the caramel cinnamon ice cream which she graciously agreed to split it with me. Oh man. That cinnamon was out of this world! I don't know if I've ever had cinnamon that good. And the caramel! Oh dear. That' was good stuff. A really nice end to an excellent meal.

    A lot of reviews complain about the price and I totally get it. It is a little pricey once you add up any sides and beverages you get and the ice cream of course. But I wasn't that miffed. My friend and I split some sides which cut down on cost and since I've been watching my food intake I didn't even finish my sammich so I had enough to take home for another meal. Not to mention I was really full when I walked out of there so in the end I wasn't weeping for my pocket book. Although I'm not sure I would be visiting every day (even though I would want to!).

  • 4.0 star rating
    6/15/2010

    I was initially confused when I ordered a Korean BBQ Kogi "Sammich" that came out as a heaping pile of bulgogi, some tangy kimchi, green onions and 4 quarters of thick pita bread.  However, this is a pretty great way to get your lunch on (if not a *tad pricey)  because you get to decide how much to stuff each quarter with the deliciousness that comes in your basket.  And, it is truly delicious.  

    My server was a cute, smiley girl who helped me locate some silverware, napkins and icewater.  Chef Kim was chilling in the corner of the dining room, probably working on inventories and playing w/ his iPhone.  It was quiet in there..  a nice place to grab a chill solo lunch.  I'll be back.

  • 5.0 star rating
    5/19/2012

    This is my first experience with Korean BBQ, and I have to say, I am definitely a fan.

    I always get the BBQ. I love making little flatbread mini sandwiches by stuffing the bread with the meat and kimchi (spicy cooked cabbage...mmm). I still need to try the Belly Dog! The spiced fries with mayo are crazy good. We always share an order of those.

    I love their lemonade. They usually have a lemonade special and they are always tasty.

    Why haven't I had dessert? Clearly I need to eat here more...

  • 4.0 star rating
    11/30/2010
    59 check-ins

    aimlessly wandering around logan square and buckton on a cold tuesday afternoon while wearing sandals can be its own version of wearing a hairshirt. Cold, confused, and hungry is one way to go through life, but I'll just take the confused part and leave the rest thank you very much. So, like a beacon of light there is belly shack sitting there right below the western blue line stop. I've wanted to go here and yet I've delayed it for a long time, well the fat lady sung and it was high time for me to explore their wares.

    In need of food, I ordered up a meatball sandwich and also got an order of chorizo and sprouts. Both were just packed with all sorts of flavors that was just a ton of fun to eat. The chorizo was spiced nicely and the sandwich was exploding with flavor after flavor. Being very hungry I ended up eating these quick, but oh how beautiful it was while it was around.

    There is a nice bit of space to sit in belly shack for a pretty small restaurant. My food came up fast and I was on my way. While it was worth every penny, cheap it isn't as my drink+sandwich+side cost around $17. So, just be prepared to spend a little for the fun that is a belly shack eating experience

  • 4.0 star rating
    10/5/2010

    Casual and unique menu in very industrial and hip but casual setting.    I just went to Belly Shack for the second visit and I have to say I enjoyed it more than my first visit.   First visit was good but I appreciated the food more the second time around.

    Staff and service is great.   People taking orders are friendly and very knowledgable about the menu and offer their opinion.   Place is super clean including the bathroom.  You order at the cashier and food is brought to your table.  I didn't expect anyone to check up on us but someone did a few times and kept my glass of water full.

    Unique menu where I was skeptical to try but the blend of flavors is amazing.  You definitely can't go wrong ordering any of the following that I have tried.    Can't wait to try other items on the menu.

    Korean BBQ Kogi Sammich - Flavorful but I prefer the sandwich be put together for me like the others

    Hot and Sour Soup - not your ordinary hot and sour soup.  Quite a big service.  It was good but the cilantro or some other spice was a little overpowering that I couldn't finish the whole bowl.

    Tostones with Chimichurri Sauce -- So delish especially together

    Togarashi Fries with Curry Mayonnaise -- Seasonning on the fries was soooo yummy.  I am not a fan of curry but gave the mayo a try and was perfect compliment to the fries.  

    Asian Meatballs Sammich - Loved it!   What a wonderful blend of flavors.  Meatballs should be a little smaller though, in my opinion

    Pork Shoulder sandwich - So delish and so flavorful

    Bacon Chocolate Chip soft serve --- I love bacon everything and this was heavenly

  • 4.0 star rating
    1/7/2012

    Yep, late to yet another party. Story of my life.

    I recently dined at both of the Belly locations, for the first time, within days of each other. This is my winner.

    The seating and service arrangement are the same at both places. Ordee at the counter, get a number placard, server brings it out. You choose your seat at a communal table and get your own utensils and water. Okay. On to the food.

    I ordered the special. Lemongrass chicken curry udon. It was outstanding! Thick chewy noodles. Tender pieces of chicken. Creamy, tart and spicy curry sauce. To die for. The portion was huge and I ate every last bite. I sampled the belly dog which was also amazing. It's topped with papaya, crispy noodles, and some kind of salsa. Served with togarashi fries that are our of this world. Lastly, the chorizo brussel sprouts. These things were addicting. I was full long before I stopped eating them. Tender inside, crispy outside, smothered in spicy, porky goodness. THIS is how parents should get their kids to eat brussel sprouts.

    I don't know kids, this could get ugly. It's affordable, BYOB, and walking distance from the fella's place.

  • 3.0 star rating
    6/3/2013
    1 check-in

    The food here could easily be a 4 star for most people as it was really well prepared and tasty.  My personal issue is that the taste is simply too sweet for me, but that's completely a personal preference thing and not a reflection of the great food to be had.  The menu is very limited, but sometimes I find that to be refreshing.  Very laid back and non pretentious atmosphere with a large community table in the middle.

  • 4.0 star rating
    6/21/2012

    This place is right around the corner from me, so it's all I can do NOT to go here every day.  Just like many reviewers have mentioned, price would also stop me from doing so.  However, I always find myself ending up back there because of two dishes...

    The brussels sprouts with chorizo might be one of the most addictive dishes I've ever eaten.  Honestly, I like to just get that as a meal - for $5 it's a large portion and it's delicious.  It can be a little overwhelmingly salty, but in a more umami sort of way and not overbearingly salted.  I think it's obviously a result of the saltiness of the chorizo, so it's not as though you wouldn't expect it in the dish.

    The Korean BBQ beef is packed with flavor and possibly just as addictive... in a different way.  When you eat it by itself, it's a pretty straightforward dish but can be a bit overwhelming because it's a strong combination of flavors.  When you add in the Kimchi and the almost sweet bread, you can taste how each piece of the dish compliments each of the others, which is the beauty of that dish in my mind.

    I've had the Belly Dog, Meatball Sandwich and the Boricua - all delicious - but I certainly wasn't in love like I am with the sprouts and the beef.

    Other highlights - the hot & sour soup I found neither spicy nor sour, BUT, and this is a big BUT, the smoky flavor of the chicken really lends a hand to a soup that I would have found somewhat bland otherwise.  The soft serve - I've tried a few - is so far very good in its simplicity and execution of the flavors.  

    Definitely also try the specials if they sound like something you'd like - I've never been disappointed.

  • 5.0 star rating
    10/30/2010
    1 check-in

    WIld combo but whoever was brave enough to go with it was a genius!!!

    "Hot and sour" soup w/hominy, chicken, and cilantro is incredible.

    Quinoa ssam is a yummy light option kinda like lettuce wrap style with 3 yummy sauces to top off portobello mushrooms and quinoa.

  • 2.0 star rating
    9/13/2013

    My early dinner last Tuesday was possibly the least appetizing meal I've had in a long time. This came as both a surprise and a disappointment since I loved everything about both of my two visits to BellyQ (another of Chef Bill Kim's offerings in this great city).

    The chicken sandwich special was highly recommended by my order taker. I was expecting marinated chicken on a ciabatta bun with melted cheese, bean sprouts, and homemade giardiniera. The giardiniera was nearly nonexistent and there was twice as much surface-area to my bun as there was chicken. The sandwich itself was mushy and bland, it could have benefited heavily from any of acidity, spice, or crunch.

    The Brussels sprouts with chorizo were equally unpleasant as well. Overcooked and over-salted, I pictured them being ladled out of a giant stock pot used for keeping warm whatever was grilled the preceding day, as I forced myself to keep an open mind and try a few more bites.

    Normally I would have quietly voiced my displeasure, but I was worn tired from a long day, hoped those few bites would provide some form of sustenance through the evening, and didn't trust that I would have been happier with anything else on the menu.

    Atmosphere: 4/5 - A clean, stripped down to basics, hole-in-the-wall that is a little dark on a cloudy day. Good for both a quick bite and taking time to catch up with a friend. Fun salsa music playing in the background, but not distractingly loud.

    Quality: 1.5/5 - As displeased as I was, my experience wasn't bad enough to warrant anything less. Creative ideas, poor execution.

    Value: 3/5 - Average, straightforward prices for a simple menu that would be easier to justify had it tasted better.

    Consistency: n/a - I generally would want to try a place twice (in case the first was a fluke), but it might be difficult to convince me this time.

    Service: 3/5 - Average. Nothing to complain about, nor anything to boast of.

    TL;DR: Not worth your time or money unless a friend insists you join them.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/6/2012

    I just saw the movie Prometheus. Some crazy sh t happens, kind like the craziness at Belly Shack. Korean and Mexican food shoot their face sucker thing into the someone's face. After a short gestation period an amazing creature emerges from their chesticles.

    Brussel sprouts
    Rice Bowls
    Beef sandwiches
    Fries

    Some of the highlights. Serious gourmet stuff in the most unassuming location.

  • 4.0 star rating
    3/11/2010

    Oooooo Belly Shack!  You have exceeded my expectations.  #1 Korean BBQ Kogi was phenomenal!  The pita bread, bulgogi, and kim-chi was a winning combo.  The shredded kim-chi was excellent, should have gotten more!  The hot and sour soup was really an awesome fusion of Latin and Asian Flavors.  Very interesting!

    Chill atmosphere, very cool artwork, good service, and friendly people.

    I will be back!

  • 4.0 star rating
    1/24/2010

    Being a huge fan of Urban Belly, I had a feeling I'd like Belly Shack.  I was right.

    My friend and I stopped in for lunch last week on Tuesday. It's counter service, so we placed our order and paid up.  Oh, and I waved at an old classmate working in their open kitchen.

    We shared a few dishes:
    Asian meatball sandwich, a most delicious plantain sandwich, and the brussels sprouts.   My old classmate sent us an order of the hot and sour soup for us to enjoy, too.

    My favorite thing was the brussels sprouts with chorizo.   If you haven't had them since you were a kid or just think you hate them, do yourself a favor and taste these.  They are delicious, fatty, salty, so yummy you forget you're eating veggies.

    We didn't get ice cream.  I think we forgot about it, honestly.   I can't wait to come back and try more dishes...and next time I'm coming in for dinner so I can enjoy my meal with wine (they are byob).

  • 5.0 star rating
    10/12/2010

    This place has a clear mission and they deliver it with perfection. And that's why they get 5 stars in my book.

    It's not fancy, it's not elegant, but it's not trashy. It is great food served fast in a casual and functional environment. Wearing gym shorts and a t-shirt, you wouldn't be out of place to dine here. Overrated and overpriced River North chain this is not. (Coff, Capital Grille/SushiSamba, coff)

    This is one of those places that, when you visit other cities, reminds you just how damned good the eating scene is around Chicago. You won't find anything like this in Des Moines, in Miami, or Milwaukee.

    Think about it: where are you going to find tostones prepared fresh for you in a matter of 3-4 minutes for $5? (Hell, if you can even FIND tostones in Des Moines, I'll give you $50.)

    I crave the meatball sandwich. The kogi beef sandwich is full of flavor.

    The ice cream with bacon rocks.

    Go here!

  • 2.0 star rating
    10/6/2010

    I only tried two take-out items--brussel sprouts with chorizo and the hot and sour soup. They could have been really good--but the brussel sprouts were SO salty that I could barely taste anything else. The soup was decent, but also very salty. Both were generous portions.

    I would try it again and get the Korean BBQ Koji, which I hear is delicious.

  • 3.0 star rating
    6/26/2012

    Had the noodle salad and even though I hate cilantro it was delicious (they request that you do not make changes to the dishes when you order).   I would have given it 4 stars if I had been able to have it without the cilantro sauce on top.  The bbq and everything else on the menu smelled and looked great.  I tried my companion's kimchi and it was 8/10 for me.  

    The bathroom was clean.  

    I will however be back the next time I am in Chicago (how could I not it's right at a blue line stop!).

  • 4.0 star rating
    12/31/2009

    New Year's resolutions are funny things. For example, one of my resolutions for 2010 is to hit up more brand new restaurants while they're still really huge on this site. But this can be a double-edged sword. I actually went to Belly Shack while it was still in the Hot on Yelp Top 5 back in November and the experience was mixed. I went back in December and it was tops.

    I can't say they worked out the kinks, necessarily, because I got different dishes each time. But, whatever it was, I resolve Belly Shack is going to be a go-to place in 2010 (goodness, there I am making more resolutions).

    I think what led to the mixed experience the first time was the physical restaurant itself's mixture of feels. They seem to be going for a New York City vibe. And the blue line train tracks running directly above (sometimes making it too noisy to talk) definitely gives it a feel like you're in the Belly of an Urban area (sorry, that's the owner's other place). There's trip hop (en Espanol) playing overhead to add to this oeuvre.

    But, there's a problem. This place can't seem to decide what kind of restaurant it is - classy or kla$$y (thanks to Mary T. for putting that in my vocabulary in 2009). You order from a counter - and get your own silverware and water - but then you eat in an area that feels like a fine dining establishment with wait service.  And then you can eat soft serve ice cream off their desert menu like a seven year old when you're done.

    I resolved a long time ago, however, not to rate places on aesthetics (including aesthetical confusions). And Belly Shack is, after all, about the food - Puerto Rican and Korean fusion to celebrate the marriage of the two owners. And, holy wow, one item on the menu is mind blowing. The tostones off the side orders are actually almost a meal in themselves. I have been ordering them all over the city since my experience with them at Belly Shack about a month ago and none are even close.

    These little circles of joy are $5 (everything on their menu is a bit expensive for the size of the portions) but worth every penny. As are all the other veggie sides I've tried from our communal group last time I was there. All the veggie mains contain mushroom (that evil, evil fungus) so I've avoided these dishes - except for the Quinoa Ssam. This one started out tasting waxy to me, but eventually won me over - the rice and veggies were just spicy enough as I sat there staring at the evil mushroom polluting the plate.

    Though I'm sure this large portobello mushroom was as spectacular and lovingly prepared as the rest of the menu.

    Maybe one of my resolutions for 2010 should be to give foods I hate another chance. Naw. That's probably pushing it way too far.

  • 4.0 star rating
    9/22/2010

    The bf and I stopped here for a quick bite before a show and we left pretty darn happy. We split the BBQ Kogi and it was perfect. On a hungry day I could definitely put down the whole thing by myself, but it was just the right amount for a little something for two people. And my lord was it good. the kimchi adds a nice pickled flavor to the BBQ. The meat was tender and there was a good amount of it. I'd definitely go back for round 2 on that one.

    We also got the sweet potatoes as a side and polished off all of those as well. I think I was expecting there to be a little more pho spice, and they were pretty sweet, but still delish.

    As far as this place being uber cheap... well I'm not sure I'd completely agree on that one. We did spend $20 for one sandwich, one side and a drink. And when you're marketing yourself as cheap eats I think you have to do a little better than that. But I'd definitely go back.

  • 4.0 star rating
    5/25/2013
    Listed in Michelin - Chicago

    Small but unique menu of very interesting flavor combinations. Likewise, a unique "hipster" ambiance. A casual spot where you order at the counter before sitting. Unfortunately, I can't give 5 stars because of the subpar bang for your buck. The main courses are $9 but they are not exactly filling like main courses. The pork meatball sandwich and the boricua come alone as sandwiches.

    Pork meatball sandwiches: meatballs are absolutely delicious and inside of a pita-pocket type of bread. The somen noodles stuffed inside surprisingly work. I could have eaten 3 of these.

    The fries are not that special by themselves. They are a little thin for my liking. However, adding the togarashi spice (which can be found at most Asian groceries) give them a nice kick. Even better is the curry mayo for dipping. If I had to pick my favorite element here, it would be the curry mayo.

    The soft serve was also very good because of the unique toppings that often change. I had mango, tapioca, and toasted coconut.

  • 4.0 star rating
    5/15/2012
    2 check-ins

    Wow! I'm so glad that I made it here for lunch.  I had a mid week lunch and arrived at 1130-12pm.  I started with a special, the black bean soup.  It was a light broth, with a nice balance of beans, tomatoes and assorted vegetables. Very well seasoned and tasty!

    I continued with the korean BBQ sandwich - served with flatbread and the house Kim-chee.  What a sandwich!   I easily ate everything without a problem.  Look forward to the next visit!  Great concept and high food quality.

  • 4.0 star rating
    1/6/2013
    1 check-in

    Delicious Latin Korean fusion joint right underneath an "L" line. Noisy at times, but definitely added to the character of the place.  It's also BYOB and pretty much all the guests there were were partaking. As for food, we had

    1) Meatball Sandwich - Delicious variation of spaghetti and meatballs in a pita-like sandwich.
    2) Belly Dog - Hot dog with egg noodles and kimchi. Incredibly innovative and a flavorful explosion in your mouth. Definitely worth trying.
    3) Soft serve ice Cream - Vietnamese Cinnamon Carmel and Banana Pecan. Both AWESOME. Great balance of flavors and silky smooth texture. Really surprised they were able to pull this off.

  • 1.0 star rating
    10/13/2011

    The lady who runs the cash register is sisters with the Wicked Witch of the West!!!  She has a scowl on her face that would send my pastor running for the door!

    If you are allergic to Cilantro or don't like it,  STAY AWAY from this place, not only do they put it in EVERYTHING but they are absolutely rude about asking for any changes to their menu (I imagine her scowl is from being asked constantly to change things)

    So basically I ended up with a $10 appetizer for lunch and it was not quite enough...  the BBQ was good, but only having one choice off an entire menu is not.

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/8/2012
    1 check-in

    Loving this fusion style cooking SHACK STYLE...Enjoy the full review from Hungry Hungry Hinden...

    hungryhungryhinden.com/2…

    Also LIKE Hungry Hungry Hinden on Facebook!  Follow on Twitter @hngyhngyhinden

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/7/2013

    Perfectly seasoned brussel sprouts plus chorizo. BBQ meat with delish sauce. Crispy fries with an addictive curry dipping sauce. Housed in a funky, casual environment. As good as lunch gets.

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/4/2013

    The best thing on the menu is here is the Belly Dog: a juicy all-beef hot dog topped with pickled green papaya, crunchy egg noodles, and spicy kimchi salsa nestled in a bun that is more like a buttery toasted flatbread.  This comes with a side of Togarashi-spiced fries and curry mayo.  The result is a ridiculously delicious array of exotic flavors and textures that you'll still be thinking about long after the dog is gone.

  • 3.0 star rating
    1/8/2012
    1 check-in

    Yummy.  Tried my friend's food, besides what I ordered.  Best things?  Anything with the BBQ Beef (/marinated beef) - and also two sides, the Tostones (plaintain chips with chimichurri & lime) and the Brussel Sprouts & Chorizo.  Yum!  A teeny bit pricier than I expected, but not, like, pricey-pricey.  And I did very much enjoy my food.

  • 4.0 star rating
    11/5/2009
    2 check-ins
    Listed in Logan Square

    Love Shack tune, begin.

    The Belly Shack is a little new place
    where we can get together
    Belly Shack baby, Belly Shack bay-bee.
    Love baby, that's where it's at,
    Ooo love baby, that's where it's at.

    Korean + Puerto Rican = Korican Cuisine!

    I'm a fan. Bill Kim strikes again...and I like this one BETTER than Urban Belly. Yeah, I so said it. Better!

    "Hot & Sour" Soup w/ hominy + chicken + cilantro (this is a MUST, must...especially on a rainy day)
    Korean BBQ Kogi w/ Ssam Paste (very filling, bread comes separate = no drippy/soggy sammies! KBBQ perfection)
    Tostones w/ chimmichurri sauce (whoa, garlic)
    Seasonal Kimchi (standard)
    Cute Alumican of Diet Coke

    About on par with prices at Urban Belly...lunch for 4 (obviously we ordered a lot) was probably around $60 or so.

    Counter service, though they are quick to deliver and bus, refill waters, etc. Very friendly...parking is spotty, but public trans options are quite plentiful.

    I do miss Vella (oh, our relationship was so brief, veggie goddess), but this is a great addition to the 'hood. And, if you are a blue line rider...you have no excuse. Its spittin' distance from the train...GET off. Order. GET back on. Voila, Korican food!

    BK, FTW.

  • 3.0 star rating
    8/2/2013

    I expected better things from this place. I really wanted to like it more than I did. Don't get me wrong, it was not bad. However it was also not particularly good.

    I got the meatball sandwich, not at all what I hoped for. The bread was great, the meat was average but the noodles and sauce were particularly uninspired, and I don't think they fit the meal very well.

    The short menu also doesn't provide many alternatives.

    In short Belly Shack may be good in a pinch but I would not recommend it in general.

  • 4.0 star rating
    11/3/2009

    Mmm...more good food in my belly thanks to Bill Kim. While I personally prefer Urban Belly because they have a parking lot and I just like the menu better, my belly was quite happy after a meal at Belly Shack.

    There's nothing like a bowl of delish soup when you're cold and wet from a thunderstorm outside.  I started my lunch with a bowl of their very flavorful Hot & Sour Soup. It was so tasty looking that my lunch companions were jealous they hadn't ordered a bowl.  I followed the soup with the Quinoa Ssam, Billy Kim's version of lettuce wraps. LOVED them- would definitely order this again and seemed a healthier alternative than some of the sandwiches on the menu.

    We also ordered some sides for the table. The kimchi, which is a total rip off at $4 (it's cabbage!). Should be more like $1. We also ordered the tostones (fried plantains), but those were actually worth the $4 price tag.

    On a rainy Friday afternoon this shack was pretty empty, but like Urban Belly I wouldn't be surprised if it gets pretty packed in the evenings.  After all, there are a lot of bellies to fill in Chicago with this tasty food.

  • 4.0 star rating
    10/30/2009

    I never made it to Le Lan.  The Urban Belly concept doesn't do much for me.  BUT Korean & Puerto Rican food are two of my favorites.  So, when I had the chance to check out super chef™ Bill Kim's food, I jumped at the chance.

    I like the location.  It's directly underneath the Western Blue Line stop and, while it can get a little noisy, it's super easy to get to by rail or bus.  My dining companions weren't quite as sold on the ease of driving to the location...so, there's that.  Inside is pretty stark.  The walls are lined with stencil and silhouette of various urban and spanish language scenes.  It's rad.  I liked that there's not a lot going on in here.  It's, like, "here's my restaurant.  Eat."  I can eat.  Cool.

    The food is pretty darn yummy but the price points are a little off-kilter.  I ordered the tilapia with curry tartar sandwich.  It's not so much as sandwich as it is two pieces of fish atop or akimbo (ha! I totally pwned that word) some bread.  It's $11.  And, it's missing something.  Fortunately, we'd ordered the FOUR DOLLAR kimchi which added the spicy crunch my palette craved.  I felt badly deviating from Chef Kim's vision.  I also ate well now that my sandwich was Johnny-fied.  But, $4 for kimchi?  For shame.

    We also ordered a communal helping of tostones.  These came with very garlicky chimichurri and they were every bit as delicious as I could have hoped.  Those were more reasonably priced.  I'm pleased to have finally had the chance to have Chef Kim's cooking.  I found it enjoyable.  But, with a neighborhood tour to Humboldt Park in my near future and a friend's Korean mother who (is convinced I am way too skinny and) cooks for me each time I see her...I don't know if I am rushing back.  This isn't a decision my stomach made.  This decision comes courtesy of my George Costanza wallet.

  • 2.0 star rating
    5/24/2010

    We were all excited to try the Belly Shack after it opened across the street from the Western blue line stop, and finally decided to do so when hosting a friend from DC. I was happy that it was a BYOB so we were able to bring some of our favorite drinks along with us. The space is very cool, and while they have a sort of table service, you have to order from the menu at the register.

    Now, it seemed that they were trying for a sort of Asian-Latino fusion, but while daring and creative the place missed the mark from A-Z. I had the tofu jibarito with a side of greens and chorizo. The greens were amazing and the only thing everyone enjoyed. Others had the fish, and others had the coconut chicken. My jibarito was terrible. Traditionally this sandwich is served with garlic paste or garlic mayo, and there was none. The plantain bun was terrible, thick, and tasted nothing like the amazing jibaritos available all over Puerto Rican Chicago. The tofu, was not marinated long enough to take in the flavors, and so eating a block of firm tofu was the basic experience. The others didn't finish the food and left feeling let down. My other friends were almost universally disappointed with the meals they ordered.

    I give them a big E for effort (I liked the skate trucks as bathroom door handles), but a C for execution (staff were friendlybut the no table serivce/server thing is just dumb). The idea is a good one: Easy, comfortable ethnic fusion in an environment you can bring those friends from Iowa or the suburbs to rather than a barrio restaurant, but the place swung, and missed the ball.

    I almost never say I won't go back. but I doubt I would go back to this place. Too bad really.

  • 1.0 star rating
    10/17/2011

    I'll say this right away:
    If you have dietary restrictions DO NOT GO HERE.

    I tried to eat here last night but I was turned away from the woman behind the register who rudely informed me that there was nothing here I could eat on the menu and she couldn't help me out.

    Why?

    Because they refused to simply not sprinkle cilantro on as a garnish over the top of the dish I was trying to order.

    The restaurant's policy is that there are no substitutions or modifications to each dish. While I would like to try to understand this as a way for the chef to preserve his "vision" of each dish, but I think its safer to assume their motivation would be based on seat turnover which directly impacts profits vs. any kind of "vision" of a dish.

    I cannot understand how a new restaurant will stay in business long alienating their customers.

    Also, how is preserving your vision of how a dish is supposed to taste even achievable when there are many of us out there who taste cilantro as soap. Your dish would have been more accurate to its original flavor had I been allowed to abstain from the soapy nightmare sprinkled on top.

    nytimes.com/2010/04/14/d…

    If you are vegan, vegetarian, wheat free, allergic to nuts, or have any other food allergies or simply dislike a certain ingredient for whatever reason STAY AWAY from this place. You will not be accommodated for no matter how polite you are - you will be rudely turned away.

    Pro Tip: Head to IRAZU just a few blocks away. One of the best restaurants in Chicago.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/18/2010

    Belly Shack is one of the most interesting places I've been to a long time.

    A friend and I shared the Asian meatball sandwich with somen and chii paste that's on the regular menu. It made me wish more sandwich places used somen as an ingredient!

    We also split one of the daily special sandwiches that consisted of chicken with Asian spices wedged between two fried plaintains. I don't like plaintains and normally avoid them, but I relished every bite of the special.

    I simply could not get enough of the togarashi curry mayo and fries.

    I'm a big fan of the unassuming location, cool interior, as well as the casual atmosphere and reasonable prices.

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/13/2010

    My boyfriend kept raving about this place, and after getting lost for ten minutes, we managed to find the hole in the wall, hidden under the train tracks.

    Walking in, I quickly felt right at home, in an Asian fusion place in Los Angeles. The interior looked like something right out of Silver Lake or Hollywood and somehow got transported to Chicago.

    The menu was really simple, the dishes were really small. But I've learned that quality over quantity is often the motto in these trendy Asian fusion spots, and this place followed that to a T.

    We ordered the lemongrass chicken and a Korean kogi beef sammies, served with a few pieces of pita bread. Both were VERY yummy, and I was tempted to get another dish, but my boyfriend said that we were going to get more food later.

    Highly recommend this place for a quick bite. And check out the interior if you get a chance!

  • 4.0 star rating
    10/28/2009

    I first gave this review 3 stars.. but as I started writing this review, I realized it deserved another star :)

    Chef Bill Kim had a shirt that had a Korean word on the back that read "Ggoom"(which means "Dream" in Korean) .. and the graffiti on the wall had a man with the shirt that read "know your dream(s)?"(IN SPANISH).. :) cute. I notice little things like that.. and it makes me happy :D LOL.

    My friends and I got almost everything off the menu!

    Kogi sammich: I don't eat meat, but my friend said it was pretty good. Kind of hard to eat .. almost mini slider style like since there are mini pita breads to put the meat between..

    Asian meatball sammich: The meatballs were stuffed inside a triangular pita bread. My friend said it was pretty good.

    Blackened tilapia w/curry tartar sammich: It was hard to eat, and I didn't taste anything curry-like :( ! Tasted more like chipotle tartar sauce. Kind of hard to eat? I don't like the choice of bread they use.. it was alright..  and it took really long to come out..

    Boricua sammich: OUR FAVORITE. No bread.. the "bread" was substituted w/ fried plantains ! Easier to eat than the other sammiches.. and just GOOD! Flavors work well together, and it's perfect for a vegetarian/vegan (:

    Tostones w/chimichurri sauce: Yum!!! Thin fried pieces of plantains .. covered in the chimichurri sauce. Flavors were VERY reminiscent of samosas w/chutney sauce.(pic)

    Roasted squash w/maple syrup & pho spices: Cute presentation. Good. (pic)

    Hot & sour soup: Hmm.. my friend said it was pretty okay.. a little too salty for his taste! but he liked the Boricua sammich the best :)

    Quinoa ssam: Pretty good. Mushrooms, pickled veggie/apple pieces(?), quinoa, and bib lettuce to make "ssam" aka lettuce wraps. They only gave me 3 pieces of bib lettuce.. should def give more lettuce! 2 diff chili pastes to dip and sesame oil to dip the ssam! I'm in love with sesame oil.. so yeah.. +1 for that :) Perfect for vegans.. and it's gluten free.

    Bacon chocolate chip ice cream: It looked like soft serve vanilla ice cream topped with bacon bits & a crumbled chocolate chip cookie.. my friend loved it, but I was thinking it'd look completely different.. (pic)

    We sat at the communal table and the service was superb!

    Vegan friendly. byob. RIGHT UNDER THE WESTERN BLUE LINE.. LIKE RIGHT UNDER.. & the BORICUA sammich was the best out of all of 'em ! Even the meat eaters agreed!

  • 4.0 star rating
    3/3/2012

    Ate here with 3 friends on a Friday night, and it was not hard to find seats around 7:45 PM. It got a little busier as we were leaving, but it never looked like anyone was waiting for a seat. Love the communal table in the middle! And, of course, the BYOB aspect is awesome.

    I had the pork meatball sandwich (with noodles and kimchi in it, yum!), and shared the fries and brussel sprouts with chorizo. The fries were awesome, and the dipping sauce is a must. The brussel sprouts were so-so: as other reviewers have mentioned, they are a bit oily and this flavor overwhelms the fresh sprouts and chorizo.
    The sandwich was awesome- I just wish I had come with more of an appetite so that I could finish it all! My friends had some of the vegetarian rice bowls and the Korean BBQ plate, and both looked totally awesome. We shared the cinnamon caramel fro yo to finish, and it was the perfect sweet finish to a savory and spicy meal.

    I think the prices are reasonable for what you get (a lot of food!).

    Definitely a great spot for a casual, quick, delicious meal! I think we were in and out in about 45 minutes.

  • 4.0 star rating
    6/27/2010

    I'd come across reviews for Belly Shack on numerous foodie sites so decided to make the trip to the hole in the wall under the Western blue line stop.  What an amazing little place!  The decor is nothing special - minimal decor with a large communal table in the center and small tables around the perimeter but the food more than makes up for the lack of ambience.

    The menu is quite short - just a handful of sandwiches and sides.  Based on reviews, I ordered the Asian meatball sandwich.  It was packed with flavor!!  Such a unique combination of very fresh ingredients.  Sure, it cost more than the average sandwich ($9), but it is more than the average sandwich - a true warm meal with fresh, interesting ingredients.

    I couldn't pass up the bacon chocolate chip ice cream for dessert.  I wouldn't recommend paying the $4 for a dessert that was way less interesting than its name implies - softserve ice cream with glorified bacon bits. While bacon does taste delicious in almost everything, I'd save the calories for eggs or spaghetti.

    On visit two, I tried the lemon grass chicken sandwich and again was wowed by the interesting combination of flavors.  I give the nod to the meatball sandwich only because I prefer spicy to non-spicy.

  • 1.0 star rating
    9/14/2011

    I really wish in instances like this, that there were negative stars. I purchased 2 orders of Korean beef, it looked like a decent portion, however, when you open it up there are 4 large pieces of pita bread. I certainly was not aware that "fusion" meant loading an entire box full of bread. I also ordered fries and a meatball sandwich. The pork meatballs were completely pink. This really concerned me, I did not eat it. My husband did..... Not smart he was sick, and let's not get too detailed, but it was really gross. The fries were fries, average with seasoning served with a mayo based sauce, which obviously had sat out near heat ( it had that discolored film on it). Another pass for me.

    THIS IS WHAT IS SERIOUSLY DISTURBING!!!!! After our visit to the "Shack" (so appropriately named), I never intended to eat there again, but I was not motivated enough to complain. One of my 7 year old twins touched the railing outside of the location. He ended up with mysterious really disgusting goop on his hand. My husband went inside and went directly into the bathroom. My son washed his hands while this woman pried the door open. She started screaming, "Are you stupid!?!? Can't you read!?!?" She continued to rant and scream and scared my kids so much they began to cry.  She even left Her restruarant (I use that term loosely), and continued to chase and yell at them. It only stopped when my husband finally told her to leave them alone before we pressed charges.

    What kind of perverted monster opens up a bathroom door on a small child and brings them to tears..... THE OWNER of BELLY SHACK, that's who.

  • 5.0 star rating
    10/20/2009

    So this place is really close to where I live. Shot straight down Western and there it was under the train tracks... Another Bill Kim place with Mindy Segal (Hot Chocolate!) So glad I had the day off and found out about the grand opening today!

    You order at the counter and they give you a number to place at your table where they bring your food. Simple enough right? Not really when not sure what to get.. Anyways, I got the korean bbq kogi and the brussel sprouts with chorizo..

    The bbq was quite good coming with fresh kimchi. They gave pita-like wedges along with the meat and kimchi so after trying the kimchi and meat by itself I made myself the sandwiches and proceeded to wolf them down..

    The sprouts and chorizo.. well I don't know why I got this. Maybe it was the fact that I saw it was brussel sprouts and I felt if something I wouldn't eat before could be made tasty then that is the work of true genius... and it was.. the chorizo was nice and salty and imparted flavor on the sprouts and complimented the sprouts at the same time. Soo good!! I also liked how the sprouts weren't soggy, but still had a bit of bite to them.

    Will go back shortly (right after I save this review) to try their soft serve under their U KUD LIK DIS menu.. They have a bacon topping! mmmm!!!

    They also have other items on the menu though it's not a big menu.. All of it sounds interesting too.. can't wait to try more of this food! Welcome to the neighborhood!

  • 5.0 star rating
    2/12/2014

    This is a great go to place. Some fairly standard items with a great twist. Had the hotdog and the hot and sour soup. Both of these were out of this world. Absolutely loved the experience and will be going back soon.

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    2/17/2014 Matt,

    Thanks for your review! I'm glad that you were able to join us and had a great experience. We…
    Read more
Belly Shack - 227 Photos - Latin American - Logan Square - Chicago, IL - Reviews - Menu - Yelp
 

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  • 5.0 star rating
    8/10/2013

    I had the belly dog for dinner. It was very flavorful and quite filling. the curry mayo was awesome and so were the togarashi fries. The best part was the Vietnamese Cinnamon-Caramel SoftServe (Vanilla icecream).

    It is right under the blue line stop, the decor is basic yet hip, there aren't a lot of tables but I liked the big community dining table in the centre.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/7/2013

    This inexpensive yet delightful place has eclectic sandwiches, salads and drinks. Most dishes are $9 and freshly prepared. It is conveniently located underneath the blue line station. BYOB

  • 2.0 star rating
    1/29/2012

    "Promise you won't try it without me."
    "I promise."
    And then my dining buddy left for Korea for eight months. Imagine my excitement when she finally returned and suggested we hit Belly Shack for a late dinner.

    After parking around the corner, we sauntered in. The place was bustling but had a few tables open late on a Thursday night. We approached to the counter, waffled back and forth over the tasty-sounding options, and opted for the Belly Dog, Korean BBQ platter, brussels sprouts and chorizo, and a big bottle of sparkling water.

    Sitting down by the door (poor choice for warmth; great for people-watching), we waiting about twenty minutes for our food to arrive. Food was served as it was finished in the kitchen and the brussels sprouts arrived first. Diving into my favorite vegetable, I was sorely disappointed. The brussels sprouts themselves were tender and perfectly cooked but the chorizo was oily, crunchy tortilla chips (I believe?) were interspersed through the dish in an unpleasant textural contrast, and the entire bowl was doused in fish sauce. Entirely too salty and funky-tasting, I picked out the bits of brussels sprouts but left three-quarters of the plate untouched.

    Next out was my Korean BBQ platter, Bill Kim's take on bulgogi. The beef itself was tender and lean, although the marinade could have used some spicy saltiness to counteract its incredible sweetness. Served with fluffy flatbread that encourages the diner to make his or her own sandwiches, I was reminded almost of a Korean twist on Chicago's iconic Italian beef sandwich. The plate also had an ample pile of southern-style kim chee, spicy and tangy with chili paste and big crunchy chunks of cabbage. Perhaps this was supposed to be the savory counterpart to the sweet beef?

    About five minutes after my food arrived, my dining companion's Belly Dog finally made its way out. Topped with chili paste, crispy egg noodles, and papaya, the dog was a big hit. Served atop a pile of Togarashi fries, she and I could not keep away from the addictive curry dipping sauce.

    As we wrapped up our meal, we crept to the counter to check out the soft serve options, ultimately settling on homemade vanilla topped with chunks of chocolate chip cookie and smoky bacon bits. While a tasty, sweet foil to the exotic savoriness of the rest of our meal, we found the soft serve surprisingly sweet for a Korean-inspired establishment, having hoped for a tangier yogurt base.

    Overall, Belly Shack was a decent experience-- interesting menu; cool space. But given the overwhelming saltiness of the dishes' executions, hands-off service, cost relative to quality, and strange pace at which our meals arrived at our table, I'll probably pass on future visits.

  • 1.0 star rating
    8/5/2012

    I went here because of a the great reviews. Are these people crazy? I love Asian food. I felt like I was away at summer camp eating cafeteria stye with similar quality food. The salad I ordered wouldn't have been enough for a light lunch. Worse, it seemed like something I'd make at home after I'd run out of groceries and decided to just start throwing whatever was in my cabinets and fridge onto a plate. I did get dessert, and though the ice cream was half-melted, it was very good.

    Maybe if the prices were half what they are, I could justify having lunch here, though not ever dinner!

  • 4.0 star rating
    5/25/2013

    This place is under the blue line station on Western, like right UNDER it. It has urban modern decor with a lot of aluminum. The take on it is asian fusion, korean with a twist.
    The menu isn't huge and they don't like to change the dish in any way but there is a wide variety of options.
    For me there is a tofu bowl with kimchee which is yummy. the plantain sandwich with chicken is my husband's favorite. Lettuce wraps were a great starter.
    The spicy french fries with the dipping sauce are addicting
    no sodas, but it is BYOB. They have Izzy Sodas:)
    Take out tastes as good as dining in.
    No high chairs available in case you bring your kids, and there isn't a lot a kid would eat there off the menu anyway:)

  • 3.0 star rating
    1/2/2012
    1 check-in

    I'm only giving this place three stars because I really want to come back and give the menu another shot. I had the noodles with shrimp though, and I will say I thought those were great (maybe more for summer though). My boyfriend had a really great hot dog too. It's got kind of a cool interior though, very understated. I'm curious to get back and try it out again!

  • 4.0 star rating
    5/20/2010

    It's a hidden gem! I organize a monthly dinner with my friends and this month after long anticipation we made it out to Belly Shack.  Our usual eateries are in the River North area and we don't always venture too far due to all the options but this was a place I had been dying to try.

    After debating whether to drive or take the L we ended up driving only to realize that it was tucked right underneath the blue line western stop.  This place is simple on apperance but bold on flavor.  I already love the fact that it was BYOB and casual.  

    I ordered the spicy fries with curry mayo and the blackened tilapia.  The fries had a hint of lime and chile powder and the curry mayo was a great combination.  Making it very hard to stop eating them!  The blackened tilapia was on top of a grilled flatbread and was dressed with fried shallots and baby greens.  The tilapia was so fresh and cooked to perfection.  It was drizzled with that same curry mayo which made every bit more mouth watering. I opted out on dessert mainly because my mouth felt so good I was afraid to ruin the greatness.  

    I would definitely come back and think it's worth the trip down to Logan Square!

  • 4.0 star rating
    4/18/2012

    I stumbled on this place do to the wait times at other BYOB's in the area and it was a pleasant surprise. I had the Belly Dogs, which was by fare one of the best hot dogs that I have had in a while. What made it different was the size of the bun and the sauce that came with it.

    Bring a dark beer along and try any of their specials. I defiantly need to head back that way and get some more good eating...

  • 5.0 star rating
    5/18/2012

    While I am usually a fairly adventurous eater, I've always steered away from Korean food. It may or may not be because while I like to have at least one thing on the menu that makes me think "hey, I wonder what that is" it makes me nervous when I can say that about over 50% of the menu.

    Belly Shack is proof that I was wrong, so very, very wrong to be nervous. I'm not convinced it is impossible to order anything at Belly Shack that is not ridiculously delicious. Shrimp salad with noodles, oranges and tortilla chips? YEP. It's amazing. Asian pork meatball sandwich? Heck. Yes.

    The specials are always awesome. The soft serve is fantastic. If they opened a Belly Shack near my home, I might never eat anything else again. Or at least, not for a month or two. I recommend it to everyone who enjoys food and/or deliciousness.

  • 3.0 star rating
    1/18/2012

    Sweet location. There's something I love about establishments located underneath L-Tracks.

    Belly Shack is putting together some interesting cuisine at good prices. The food is not jaw dropping, but I like the change of pace they offer.

    The Bellydog is pretty good, a different take on a Chicago classic. I wish they would use a different sausage from time to time, maybe a one of a little better quality. The Togarashi spiced fries are da bomb. Hot n' fresh, crispy, and the curry mayo is nice and spicy. Pairs perfectly with the fries. My friend got the pork meatball sandwich, pretty good as well.

    Overall BellyShack is offering you some unique tasty food.

  • 5.0 star rating
    4/17/2010

    My good friend Dave O really nailed this place.  Great flavors in a casual environment.  Perfect for a tasty lunch with a nice bottle of wine in tow - BYOB folks.  The Asian meatball sandwich was amazing!  Super, super tasty.  The braised greens with chorizo was another major highlight.  The service is friendly and enthusiastic.  

    I look forward to returning.

  • 4.0 star rating
    11/8/2009
    Listed in Chicago

    This place is awesome! The food here is a mix between Latin and Korean, which may seem a little odd, but it's delicious.

    We had the Korean BBQ Kogi which was really good. The beef was very flavorful. Then we had to try the Boricua sandwich. It's a vegetarian dish and there is no bread. It has beans, brown rice and tofu in between crispy, fried plantains. I'm not a big fan of tofu, but the flavors in this dish were so good that i didn't mind the tofu too much.

    As a side we ordered the Brussels sprouts with chorizo. Seriously, this was amazing. I can't even describe how good that was, if you go to the Belly Shack you have to get the brussels sprouts and chorizo.

    Lastly, dessert! We ordered the Huckleberry lime soft serve and the bacon chocolate chip soft serve. First of all, I'm not a fan of tarty ice creams so I was afraid I wasn't going to like the Huckleberry lime soft serve, BUT it was my favorite dessert. It's a vanilla ice cream with a subtle hint of lime that was sweet rather than tart, topped with huckleberries.

    The bacon chocolate chip sounded weird, but awesome. I've had other desserts with bacon in them so I was expecting deliciousness, the Belly Shack did not let me down. Again, vanilla soft serve with chocolate chips topped with bacon bits. There was a smokey after taste because of the bacon, which was kind of weird, but it was really good.

  • 5.0 star rating
    12/12/2011

    Would it be bad to have Belly Shack these days in a row? I'm about to find out.

    Holy cow, Belly Shack. You're awesome. Absolutely delicious, gluten free, and full of vegan and vegetarian choices. Latin and Koren fusion, you rock.

    We ordered a smorgasbord of food from here on Saturday night. We called in an order and the pick-up time was a wee 10 minutes. At 9pm. On a Saturday night. Point 1, Belly Shack.

    Here's what we ordered:
    *** Boricua (marinated beef): this was my meal. My taste buds were in heaven. Slightly spicy,  full of flavor , and big enough for two meals. The meat was so savory and the rice was the perfect compliment. The plantains topped it off as the best dish I've had in a long time.
    *** Asian Pork Meatball Sandwich: the husband had this. He loved it. He loved my dish more, but what can I say? I always pick the best dish. :)
    *** Quinoa Ssam Salada: Yum, yum, yum, yum, yum. Along with the Boricua, this might have been my favorite part of the meal.
    *** Tostones: Yummy, crispy plantain chips. It came with a zesty little lime dressing. A bit spicy, but so worth the inflamed tongue.
    *** Togarishi Spiced Fries: We were afraid these would be a bit soggy by the time we got home to eat them, but we were actually presently surprised what great shape they were in! These also came with a dipping sauce (curry mayonnaise, I believe). The sauce evened out the spiciness of the fires.
    *** Brussels Sprouts and Chorizo: Who would have though I'd enjoy Brussels Sprouts...ever? Even a vegetable-hater would rethink their dislike for veggies! These were awesome. Flavorful and full of texture, these were gone pretty quickly.

    When we stopped in to pick up our dinner, we actually met the chef, Bill. He was really friendly, down to earth, and extremely modest. He suggested several other restaurants owned by his chef friends- they're on our "next to try" list.

    Finally, the price is unbeatable! So incredibly cheap! The entire order cost around $30. For all that food.

    Oh, and it's a B.Y.O.B. place. Point 19, Belly Shack.

    If you like eating delicious food, spending a small amount of money, and experiencing great customer service, you MUST try Belly Shack as soon as possible.

  • 4.0 star rating
    5/4/2013
    1 check-in

    Very tasty sandwiches.  Food is really different and highly worth checking out.  However, prices are a little high.

  • 3.0 star rating
    11/16/2009

    I came here on a Saturday night and was pleased to be seated without a wait. I love the BYOB option, and the unique menu. I ordered the meat ball sandwich which had noodles in it. It felt like pho in a pita. So good, and a large portion. I shared an order of fried plantains with chimichuri. Very good...but a little greasy. My girlfriend had the boricua vegetarian sandwich, which we both found to be very bland if not for the spicy sauce on the side. It was so good that we were dipping our plantains into it. For dessert we had the mint ice cream which was awesome.

    Overall my experience was good and hope to go back again to try some of the other dishes.

  • 3.0 star rating
    12/9/2009

    In the spirit of my reviews, I shall make this brief for everyone's sake... it was a very good lunch. I was there in early November while in town visiting my homeland. The food is great. The chef and his wife seemed really nice. The cost is a bit higher than I would have preferred. Definitely more Latin influenced than Korean.  

    I recommend giving it a shot for their unique menu and trying something new. The food itself is four-stars!

  • 5.0 star rating
    3/24/2013

    Delicious food with powerful flavors in a chill atmosphere. Definitely worth checking out.

  • 2.0 star rating
    7/2/2011

    Some of my best friends swear by this place, so I finally gave it a try last night after finding out Quesadilla closes at 5pm on Fridays (whaa?)

    I suppose some might find the 5 or 6-item menu appealing because it's easy to decide what you want, but I found it discouraging. I got some tofu sandwich thing that I had to force myself to eat because it was expensive.

    Hey people who put tofu on the menu: I don't care is squishy is how it's traditionally served. I saw who was eating there, and they were hipster white folks like me. Please do something to firm of your tofu, it's nasty.

    The seasoned fries were good, but fries from anywhere served any way are good. You have to really try to mess up a fry.  

    Final complaint: the seating. We ended up at that giant communal table in the middle and it sucked. We had to shout at each other, sit with strangers, and my husband missed half the conversation because he was no where near us across the huge table.

    It was slammed, and like I said, my friends swear by it, but I won't be back.

  • 4.0 star rating
    1/26/2012
    1 check-in

    I live a few blocks away and I can finally say I have tried it. I ordered the Plantain Beef Sandwich. I wasn't sure what to expect when I ordered it. In my opinion Asian fusion food is either a hit or miss. The sandwich was definitely a hit! It was AMAZING.

    I was a disappointed with my fiance's dish- he ordered a #2 I think (it was a noodle dish).  His dish seemed pretty ordinary. Compared to my sandwich it was- Meh.

    I will definitely be back for the sandwich and possibly try a few other dishes.

  • 4.0 star rating
    1/4/2013
    3 check-ins

    This place has some flavor! I'm a huge fan of Korean food and was excited to try this place out. We ordered the meatball sandwich, curry fries, and the beef plate. Everything was absolutely delicious, especially my wife's beef and the Kim chi side. The meatball sandwich was HUGE, and very tasty as well. Thanks the bread they use is unique, similar to pita bread but biggeand not as chewy. Byob is a huge plus, only reason I gave it 4 stars was I think it is bit pricey for what you get, but nevertheless worth it!

  • 3.0 star rating
    1/3/2012

    All I can attest to is trying two items that came very well recommended -at least according to the Time Out Chicago publication. It was the hot and sour soup. The way it was described, this was supposed to be some kind of culinary fusion -a traditional Chinese dish that we all know and somehow either Koreanized with spices or Mexicanized like a pozole. Well it was really neither and in fact, I really don't know what to call it. It was essentially a Chinese-style broth with floating pieces of pork rinds, some Chinese style sprouts, a sprig or two of cilantro and some squirts of Sriracha sauce.

    Would I order it again? Maybe not. Would I come here again? Sure. I just wasn't all that hungry that day but I an anxious to try out other fusion dishes such as the hot dog, the lemongrass chicken etc. The passionfruit lemonade, however, was stellar and very refreshing, as it was basically freshly made. Oh yeah, everything's pretty cheap too!

  • 1.0 star rating
    7/7/2011

    I was expecting some good things from this offshoot of Urban Belly, but we were extremely underwhelmed and disappointed.

    Tried the BBQ beef and the Asian Pork Meatball sandwich. the BBQ beef was a bland version of a korean staple, bulgogi. For $9, you get a small portion, a few slices of flatbread, and a side of kimchi.

    The pork sandwich was flavorless, except for the mint which overpowered any semblance of meatiness which the meatballs may have had. bean sprouts and noodles were unncessary add-ons that did nothing but dilute the overall flavor even more.

    the kicker in all this is the side of kimchi, a ridiculously tiny portion for $4. As opposed to an entire mason jar full for the same price at Del Seoul. not only that, the "kimchi" was a homemade bastardized version which offered no vinegary bite or acidity that is essential to this korean staple.

    so for $27, we got an over-priced sub par meal. the highlight of the meal was looking outside the window at the giant McD's ad offering a pineapple smoothie.

    i'd rename this place Belly Shanty.

  • 4.0 star rating
    6/18/2012

    Okay, I walk pass this place EVERYDAY on my way to the train and always see it packed.  After reading the reviewes thought I'd giver it a whirl and see what all the hype was about.  First impressions, different than what I pictured it, I thought it was somewhat of a sitdown it being BYO, oddly enough it's more of a hybrid cross between chipotle and something else, but can't quite put my finger on it.

    The b/f had the Korean BBQ, I didnt take a bite, but he said it was pretty tasty.  I had the brown rice which was decent.  Definitely the kimchee was good, but I'm also Korean and by no means is it completely authnentic kimchee, it's definitely a variation on the traditional dish making it more palatable to the general public, but good nonetheless.

    I also had the sweet and sour soup after reading the reviews and quite honestly, it lacked for me, it was a bit on the salty side and wasn't sure why people were raving about it.  Afterwards, tried the bacon, chocolate chip with ice cream, it was okay.  

    So all in all decent experience, I would go again, but wouldn't be completely stoked about having to go.  I'm more leaning towards 3 1/2 stars, but wanted to be generous.

  • 4.0 star rating
    2/26/2010
    1 check-in

    So not that I am a big hot dog connoisseur, in fact probably far from it, but I have to tell you - I would highly recommend those of you who are hot dog fans, or even want an awesome hot dog, go to Belly Shack.  I went here last night, with unsure expectations but came out a fan of this place!  

    After reading the reviews I expected that since this place only had counter service it would be tiny, but Belly Shack is actually quite spacious for the amount of items on their menu.  (Meaning there aren't a lot of options here)  Also the service there is great, you pretty much order and pay at the counter, but they still treat you like you are in an actual restaurant in that someone pours you water and takes away your plate but you don't have to tip!  I mean you really can't get better than that.

    So the hot dog was special of the day - we came here on Thursday. This hot dog tastes like it has been grilled outside in the summer air, meaning it tastes as good as a hot dog can taste!  Plus this hog dog comes covered with this spicy yet sweet asian slaw and pan fried noodles, an interesting combination and its quite a feat to eat this hot dog without getting food all over your face or hands but it is worth every bite.  The bun is a huge piece of pita or naan and thebest part is...the hot dog comes with fries!  And wait there's more, with the fries, comes this satay mayo dip that is kinda funny tasting at first because the flavor is so unique but before I knew it I was practically drinking this sauce.  

    As for the sides..I wasn't too impressed.  The chorizo brussel sprouts were ok, I mean it tasted like just those two ingredients stir fried together, and the squash seemed a bit expensive for some sweet potato chunks and half an acorn squash.  I mean for $5 I would like two roasted acorn squashes with honey on top, thanks.  I did like the fried plaintains, Belly Shack's chimmicurri sauce is light and has a hint of lime, very refreshing and different from the chimmicurri sauce you would find at a brazillian steak house.  

    Belly Shack also has soft serve, yes this instantly gave this place an extra star because I LOVE soft serve.  My friends had the bacon chocolate chip soft serve..I don't like bacon (I know its like the only thing I don't eat) and I hate when my salt and sweet mix so I did not venture near that, but I did eat a lot of my friend's softserve with the blondie bites on top.  

    The hot dog was so yummy that I am definitely looking to come here again on a Thursday just to get that!

  • 3.0 star rating
    2/10/2013

    This place reminds me of Del Seoul except that it is not as good as del Seoul! It's a little overpriced for what you get, not as tasty and the selections are not as good. The location is interesting underneath the El station which I don't mind. It's not too difficult to find parking around there. I didn't like the people who worked there. They are not friendly.

  • 2.0 star rating
    7/28/2011

    I've been here twice after hearing a lot about this place. As a Korean, I love Korean food and food culture. I wanted to really like the food here, but I came away sort of ... empty.

    The first time I came here, I got a chicken rice bowl and my S.O. got the beef rice bowl. It was incredibly sweet, and the beef my S.O. ordered was marinated like bulgogi, but it was way too sweet. My chicken was cooked nicely, but the whole bowl was just too sweet. It was also super greasy and had a ton of flavor - almost to the point where the flavors were too confusing and nothing really tasted "together."

    Completely opposite of that, the side of tostones drenched in chimichurri sauce was absolute heaven. It was a standout dish, and I could have eaten the whole basket of them!

    After the sort of disappointing first try, I gave it another. This time, I got the beef boricua which is a twist on the jibarito. I had high expectations - maybe too high - for this sandwich. The jibarito came in a basket, wrapped. At first, I thought it was a burrito. But alas, upon unwrapping the dish, it was a jibarito. I attempted to pick it up and eat it, but it slowly fell apart and the plantains were STUCK to the wrapper! Needless to say, my jibarito became a beef-plantain salad as I had to just eat everything with a fork. Also, the bulgogi beef was still too sweet for me, and I have no idea why they stuck the organic rice in there. The bean sprouts in the boricua were a mismatch. The whole sandwich was messy and the flavors were disappointing. It all tasted like sweet beef mixed in with potatoes. Nothing really exciting.

    At least I could devour a basket of tostones and feel somewhat satisfied. I guess I would come here again to try the belly dog, but since both of the "main" dishes I've had here have been kind of underwhelming, I don't know if I am completely invested.

  • 4.0 star rating
    2/8/2010
    Listed in Eating off the El.

    I only ate here once and took the somen noodles to go after reading about them in Time Out.  So flavorful!  It was an amazing spicy, limey, garlicky cold noodle salad with shrimp, orange slices, and tortilla chips.  I was surprised and delighted with the combination.  The only thing was it was a big let down on the portion for $10, but I guess that's what I get for the shrimp.  The restaurant itself is interesting--so painfully "urban," it makes your heart hurt.  Perhaps Bill Kim is into the ironic hipster thing?

    It's right off the Western stop on the Blue Line.  I'll probably be back.

  • 4.0 star rating
    5/5/2013

    Um.  Yum.  I love this place.  So much.  

    I've been here so many times.  With big groups, small groups, my family, girlfriends, my husband on date night.  Even by myself in the middle of the week when I have a few minutes to squeeze in lunch and run over to Western and Milwaukee.

    I've literally eaten everything on this menu, but my favorite all time go to combo is the tofu sandwich with a side of Kimchi and some lemonade.  It's soooooooooooo good  I don't mind smelling like it the next day.  It's worth it.

    I give it 4 rather than 5 stars because every time I go, despite how good it is, I honestly contemplate that I might not come back again because the gal who works the register and hands out numbers is so unfriendly.  Does anybody else feel that way?  She strikes me as that way every time I go.  I hate writing that in a review, but a small smile would be nice.  Maybe that's her thing....but I thought we've moved past that, no?

  • 2.0 star rating
    6/5/2011

    I gotta say that the people I went with enjoyed their food, but I need to write this as a warning to the vegetarians and food sensitive people out there.  

    First off, this is a BBQ place, and I don't expect a BBQ place to have many veggie options, and I'm fine with that. The woman who took my order kindly warned me that the spicy fries are fried in either beef tallow or lard (I don't remember), and are therefore not vegetarian.

    My only other options were a salad or a BBQ tofu "sandwich." I went with the sandwich. Instead of bread, they use deep fried plantains. Cute idea, but it fell apart when I picked it up and turned into an ugly, soggy mess. One of my biggest food pet peeves is being served a sandwich that cannot be eaten as such. Please call it something else and give me a fork.  The taste was just OK, and it was pricey for what I got. Also, you can't have substitutions or omissions. Basically it's their way or no way. I won't be going back.

  • 4.0 star rating
    4/30/2010
    1 check-in

    Learned of Belly Shac on TOC but happened by it by accident tonight and glad we did.

    lemongrass chicken - flavorfull with a little bit of spice
    *special* seafood taco salad - DELISH - great cilantro dressing and crunchy tortilla chips
    Curry coconut rice - SO good and full of flavor
    fried Plaintains - really good and great texture and a nice lime cilantro sauce

    The serving sizes were a perfect size too. Since restaurants usually give such huge portions which I end up overeating, I'm glad these portions were smaller, else I'd be very dismayed with myself because the dishes were too good to stop.

    The configuration of "order and then wait for a seat" is a bit funky but luckily we got there right before the crowd and got a seat.

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/10/2011

    Oh my goodness how did I NOT review this restaurant already!  I recommend Belly Shack to just about everyone because it's unique, reasonably priced, has a great location (under the Western blue line stop) AND it impressed my one friend who is incredibly difficult to impress!  But, full disclaimer, I ate here over a year ago so I hope it's still as good.

    Here's what I ate:
    Roasted Squash with Maple Syrup and Pho Spices.  My palate was not complex enough to make out the pho spices, but the natural sweetness of the squash enhanced with the syrup was delightful and well-textured.  

    The sandwich I had appears to be off of the menu now.  So sad!  I recalled it came with a surprising kimchi made with a Mexican vegetable.

    The bacon chocolate chip soft serve was not worth it.  It's just soft serve with chocolate chips and bacon comparable to Bacos.

    Ambiance: industrial. The seats are all steel bar stools at giant plank tables.  The bathrooms are a bit creepy because they have separate ambient music from the restaurant.  If I recall correctly, the music was akin to someone tapping on the plumbing.

    BYOB.

  • 4.0 star rating
    9/7/2011
    3 check-ins

    Belly Shack just kind of snuck up on me. Every time I got off the Western blue line stop, it whispered to me from it's little corner under the train tracks. The promise of delicious food and convenience put excitement in my heart and the potential of what lies within in my dreams. Right when I thought I had forgotten about it, it would ever so faintly creep its way back into my mind. That's when I knew it was time to take the jump. I had to try Belly Shack.

    The menu is small, but unique. I tried the Korean Beef right off the bat as plates of it were being served around me, and I was surrounded with the sweet aroma of spicy beef and a sort of fried curry smell. I had to try it. If I'm being honest, it may have been the most delicious Korean Beef I have ever tried. The fries were also tasty but were magnified by a most succulent sauce with the distinct essence of curry I had picked up during my wait.  Off the chain.

    They also had ridiculous flavors of ice cream that, unfortunately, I was too full to try. But the next time I'm in I might just have to try the Bacon Chocolate ice cream. Because if there's one thing I like more than bacon, it's bacon.

    All in all, Belly Shack is a solid place to eat and utterly convenient for the residents of west Bucktown. It's A little pricey for an entire meal since every item is generally served a la carte and expect a bit of a wait if you're attempting to take out without calling first, but the quality of food and bonus of BYOB make this a place to check out soon.

  • 4.0 star rating
    1/12/2010

    Belly Shack makes my belly happy!  Went here on a Wednesday and it wasn't too busy for a group of 6.  We pretty much tried one (ok maybe 2) of everything.  Things you have to try:

    1) Brussel sprouts with chorizo...there really is no other way to eat them
    2) Tostones with chimichurri...excellent chimichurri
    3) Hot and Sour Soup...could be a meal in itself
    4) Korean BBQ Sammich and Meatball Sammich (altho my less carnivore-ick friends really liked the Boricua.  

    The only negative is that it has such a similar name to their other place, Urban Belly.  In a text-ident, I sent 2 of friends there by mistake!

  • 5.0 star rating
    4/22/2012

    Unreal. I went for the first time last week, and have been craving it since. THe fries were crispy and well-seasoned; the curry mayo is the perfect dipping sauce.

    the BBQ beef was sweet and spicy and extremely tender and went very well with the kimchee.

    I look forward to returning soon.

  • 5.0 star rating
    9/18/2011
    11 check-ins
    Listed in Pan-Asian food

    WOW! So I'm an idiot. I eat at Belly Shack at least once a week and I could not for the life of me figure out why Yelp kept telling me to write a review for the Shack....I'm thinking to myself, there's no way I haven't reviewed this place. Turns out I wrote the review for Belly Shack's sister store - Urban Belly (also good, but pales in comparison to my deep love for Belly Shack). The review below is from 08/2010
    --------------------------------------------------­--------------------

    The togarashi fries are the effing BEST fries I have ever eaten. Forget duck fat fries, or chili cheese fries, waffle fries, eff your mama's fries. If these are the only fries I eat for the rest of my life, I would be A-OK with that! The curry mayo is DI-VINE. ketchup is so 2000 and late (whatever that means)!

    Bill Kim, you're a genius.

    Typically I eat whatever is on special. The belly dog is one of my favorites. The depth in texture and flavor is out of this world. The juicy hot dog with the crunchy noodle nest and the soft pita bread...**sigh**

    I don't think I really appreciated the food for all its beauty until the 5th or 6th time I went. True love is one that grows slow and constant.

    Oh and an extra plus for BYOB!

  • 4.0 star rating
    5/15/2013

    I was on a mini-vacation in Chicago this weekend and had time to kill waiting for my ride at the Western Blue Line station.  I saw the pizza place across the street but then while walking spied this place.  Saw Korean BBQ and something with Chorizo and thought that I must try this place out.  

    I loved my meal of Korean BBQ though I wish that I had something beside ciabatta bread to eat it with, maybe tortillas like nopales tortillas...hmmmm.....I also really like kimchi so that was tasty with the anise seeds in it, hadn't had that before.

    Anyway, fun ambiance and cool start to my weekend in Chi-Town!

  • 2.0 star rating
    11/21/2012
    1 check-in

    Very dissapointing. Waited for a long time for my take out and it was certainly not worth the wait. Had the boricua sandwich with tofu and the togarashi fries. It's a drag when the best thing about your meal is the tofu. The fries were old, I'd say at least an hour old, probably more like two, this is unacceptable because they were inedible. The plantain used as the bread in the sandwich was hard and not a great way to enjoy a sandwich. Every time I took a bite, it was sandwich disaster, everything would squeeze out the sides and eventually I gave up and used a fork. Although a great idea, maybe execution is the problem here. All in all, not happy with my meal. Suffice it to say, I won't be going back to belly shack.

  • 4.0 star rating
    1/21/2013

    Yummy. BYOB and get ready to eat.

  • 3.0 star rating
    11/21/2009

    Ate there last evening at about 8pm and had to wait about 10 minutes for a seat, which was very reasonable.  I really enjoyed taking the "L" there as well (and I never noticed the rumbling sound of the train).  

    The menu was sort of small, but I suppose it made it easier to pick items when you are waiting in line to place your order.  I had two of the "Sammich's" and two of the sides.  The BBQ Kogi was really tasty.  I tired to wipe up all of the good juice at the bottom of the bowl and I ended up eating some off the paper.  They use these cheap plastic bowls lined with thin paper to serve the food.  I ate some.  I couldn't taste the difference though (is that bad or good).  The Tilapia  "sammich" was tatsy but not as good as the bbq kogi.  

    We had the butternut squash and the brussel sprouts and chorizo as sides.  The squash was ok, but the brussel sprouts were great.  A little on the greasy side, but thats what happens when you mix in Chorizo.

    Didn't try the desserts.  My wife wouldn't let me order the bacon chocolate chip ice cream.  It sounded interesting.  The place is BYOB and the seating can be communal.  The chairs are not comfortable, but i think that is how they get people to turnover the tables.  I'd like to give it 3.5 stars, but i gave it three because I ate the paper.  Is that my fault?

  • 5.0 star rating
    3/2/2011

    I've been here several times and I like what this place is doing.  

    Everyone expects fusion to be easy, but in reality it is one of the most difficult disciplines in cooking.  Anyone can learn how to make authentic spaghetti and meatballs, but to invent a completely new dish is not easy.

    In other words, authentic is easy, but fusion isn't.  

    My favorites here are...

    1. Belly Dog
    2. Togarishi Fries
    3. Huckleberry Lime Ice Cream
    4. Tostones
    5. Somen Noodle Salad / Quinoa Salad

Belly Shack - 227 Photos - Latin American - Logan Square - Chicago, IL - Reviews - Menu - Yelp
 

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  • 3.0 star rating
    12/22/2011

    I liked this place, but it felt like a less memorable version of Del Seoul.  They have interesting, fresh takes on the dishes, like pear-fennel kimchi and huckleberry lime soft serve, but I'm not sure I would come back here.

    The ambiance is kind of a strange amalgamation; you pay & order at the counter, and it is terribly (purposefully) dimly lit.  It's BYOB, so you can drink nice beer while listening to the blue line roar by every 9-15 minutes.

  • 4.0 star rating
    12/2/2013

    Uniquely delicious limited menu. The korean beef items are great.  They also have an interesting hot and sour soup.  I believe they change up their menu which is nice and as I am completing this review a month or two after visiting, I cannot recall exactly what specific items I previously ordered.  This place is BYOB which is a plus. FYI it is ULTRA hipster.

  • 3.0 star rating
    11/9/2009

    Taking advantage of the gorgeous Indian Summer weather, hubby and I took a long walk around Logan Square and ended up at Belly Shack, which I've wanted to try out since I heard of its opening. I was intrigued by the Korean/Latin inspired menu.

    Neither one of us were extremely hungry, so we split the Boricua and the brussel sprouts and an Izze each, which came to around $20. I really wanted to try the kim chee, but couldn't justify the $4, when I've got a jar at home.

    I love that the boricua had tofu and the sauce it came with was delicious, but my problem with the sandwich was that you really need to eat it with a fork and knife (or stock up on a pile of napkins if you're going to eat it by hand!) This would've been totally fine, but the paper it was wrapped in got soggy and decided to incorporate itself into my sandwich...tofu sandwich, YUM! Paper sandwich, YUCK.

    The brussel sprouts, while not vegetarian (and I am, although I may have to revoke my good standing in veggie society after this snafu, no judgement...) were DELICIOUS. So good in fact, that my husband, who does not in any way care for brussel sprouts couldn't stop enjoying them. I tend to adore brussel sprouts in an abnormal way, so I really liked them (although I wonder if they could do a veggie chorizo version?)

    I wish we'd left room for dessert because the ice cream selections sound scrumptious and I also wish the sides weren't so expensive, as I would have liked to try a few more. I wish the prices were adjusted downward a little so that I could stop by on a regular basis on my way home. As it is, I may have to save my money and hold off until I can no longer stave off the brussel sprout craving.

  • 5.0 star rating
    11/4/2009

    I miss Vella, but I am thrilled that Belly Shack moved in. I've been to Urban Belly many times and will return, but Belly Shack is right down the street from my apartment.....doesn't get much better than that.

    Yesterday a friend & I stopped in for lunch. We ordered the lemongrass & peanut sammie, hot & sour soup and tostones with chimichurri sauce (the sauce is awesome try to get extra). The flavors were extraordinary. Everything was simply delicious. The soup is typically Asian or so you think, when you take a bite there are tortilla strips inside soaking up all that yummy broth. It's kinda dangerous that this place is so close to my apartment.

  • 5.0 star rating
    2/5/2012

    I live only a few blocks away and can't count how many times I've been here. Each time is totally wonderful, but tonight was awesome! Since neither my girlfriend nor I watch football (it was the night of the superbowl) we decided to see what places were open for dinner. We walked past and saw there was no one in there - that never happens.

    We ordered the somen noodle salad, organic brown rice w/ tofu and boricua w/ tofu all to share & lime huckleberry ice cream for desert. The menu is a little small, but all the dishes are worth a try along with their daily specials. Nothing will disappoint. I highly recommend this place to anyone.

    They are also very vegetarian / vegan friendly.

    On a normal day they do get quite busy so you may have to wait for a table, and they don't take reservations. They are also BYOB, but there's a great liquor store on the corner to stop in at.

    Enjoy your meal - I do every time.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/20/2011

    Filling, affordable, fresh and delicious!  

    I prefer this place to "Urban Belly," it's more relaxed and you get more for you money.  

    The fusions are outraaaaaageous! (in a good way).  I had the Asian Hot Dog, a huge dog piled with cabbage and a delicious miso mayo.  It combines Korean, Latino, and American comfort food very well.  The kimchi is fresh and pickly.  The Korean beef sandwich is melt-in-your moth savoriness.  

    This place is vegetarian friendly.

  • 2.0 star rating
    7/27/2011

    Maybe I had high expectation for Belly Shack, but I was seriously let down. I got the Boricua Sandwich and Tostones. I got to say, the tostones were really really good, but for $5 you might expect to get a whole plantain, not 8 chips.  
    Then there was the sandwich, a strange fusion-gone-wrong mess. First off it was nearly impossible to eat as a sandwich, the plantain "bread" is so thick and the insides are so soft that it all just falls apart as you eat it. It was also thoroughly greasy.  It had good prospects, but the sandwich was just just so-so.
    On top of the overpriced mediocre food, my friend and I waited over 20 minutes for 1 order of tostones and 2 boricua sandwiches, when the place had only 6-8 other customers.  I would be willing to go back again for the tostones, but not anytime soon.

  • 5.0 star rating
    3/5/2012

    Maybe you have been around town and tried some of the other Korean places.  Maybe you just got back from Asia where you ate a bunch of delicious food.  Maybe, just maybe you walked in to Belly Shack because you were just bored.  
    Whatever the case, Belly Shack does not disappoint.  Try the organic brown rice bowl with a side of fries and share this with a loved one.

  • 4.0 star rating
    10/20/2011

    If you look up the word "delicious" in the dictionary, you'll find a photo of Belly Shack right there.

    I had that night's special- the shellfish bisque. It was gloriously delicious- great consistency, wonderful flavor, perfect temperature and garnished with little bits of deliciousness. I'm suspicious of tomatoes most days, but my goodness, they were phenomenal in this soup.

    Huckleberry-Lime soft serve? Yes, please.

    Very reasonably priced, friendly folks, close to home... oh happy day!

  • 1.0 star rating
    7/30/2013

    They may have veggie options but its not vegetarian friendly. Thanks for putting fish sauce in my food, *ssholes. I would think that with ordering a tofu sandwich I would be informed that something else I ordered was not vegetarian. My sister did the same thing on the same visit and she was asked if it's ok if fish sauce is present.  But, they didn't ask me. Nor did they take anything off our bill. I will not be going here again. Screw you and your staff.

  • 5.0 star rating
    11/25/2012
    1 check-in

    Since I was visiting from NYC and my friend had work, I spent $28 here by myself for lunch -- belly dog, hot and sour soup, brussel sprouts, vietnamese soft serve.

    Not that the fries weren't super delish, but I don't like how I couldn't order only the belly dog because as you could see, I was trying to order everything on the menu and fries are a bit too calorific.  

    belly dog- damn.  didn't think a hot dog could be so damn good.  i thought it was a bit spicy...slowly realizing i have zero tolerance
    Hot and Sour soup is amazing.  it's got cracked corn, and is a really cool fusion idea
    brussel sprouts -- meh.  didn't like the flavor.  it was on flavor and i didn't really like it.  
    the soft serve...SO GOOD.  

    I don't know what my fav part was but now I'm just sad that there's nothing similar that I know of in new york

  • 3.0 star rating
    1/18/2013

    I really wanted to love this place. It's BYOB, nice wooden tables and vibe, close to my house, Korean-fusion, good reviews on yelp...but it's just average.

    Look: the vibe of the place is great. People bring booze and share dishes, lively but not loud.

    Food: We had the meatball sandwich and the korean beef dish. Plantains on side. The beef was very tender, kimchi was good. The meatballs were good, too.

    However, it was really really salty--the type of food where it tastes somewhat tasty when you're eating it, but later has you drinking water all night. Also, the pita bread that comes out with the bread and kimchi just seemed like forced fusion. I know that's the concept of the place, but pita is such a dry, tasteless bread (which is why it's great with hummus.) To eat it with the tender beef and kimchi... we just ate it to fill our selves up. A side of vermicelli noodles or even just a nicer, buttery role would have been tastier.

    Overall, the food was nothing I dream about.

    Service: you go up and order, then the servers bring it out to your table. Our order was brought out in a random order, our side of plantains did not come out till we were almost done with the meal, and even our two entrees came out a good 7 minutes apart from each other.

    All in all, we ate our dishes, which were good, but nothing that called out for a repeat visit. Would only go because of the convenience of location, the vibe and BYOB. Price point is very good, too.

  • 5.0 star rating
    2/18/2013

    I absolutely LOVE the Belly Dog & Belly Shack!!  I have constant cravings for the deliciousness that is the Belly Dog.  I would eat one everyday if I could :)

  • 5.0 star rating
    1/12/2013

    Casual atmosphere, BYOB and the food is way better than typical "fusion".  Flavors are amazing and so far haven't had anything we didn't like.  However, best yet was the Somen Noodle Salad - hands down fantastic.  Tostones are good, but beware - they leave you with lingering garlic breath for a long time.

    It's also conveniently located right under the L stop.  So it's also the best thing you will ever smell stepping off the train.

  • 5.0 star rating
    1/6/2013

    Just go, at least once. if you don't like it, I don't know what to tell you. Don't go anymore I guess.

    Been there probably 25 times at this point, and I respect the shit out of this place. It is one of the most delicious/solid/creative places around.

  • 4.0 star rating
    9/6/2011

    Visited Chicago for the first time over the labour day weekend and was taken here by a friend of a friend.  All I can possibly say: ah-MAZING!!!

    The dining area is small, only 10 tables or so, one what looked like a very large group or communal table.  Painted black, with random white drawings, the decor took a backseat while still looking pretty cool.  

    The food was AWESOME!  Korean-Latin fusion is the most interesting mix I have come across!  I had the bbq beef with kimchi; probably the best kimchi I've had (and I used to live near Koreatown!).  And if I can get nothing else across, it's this: Save room for desert!!!!  My best friend had the bacon ice cream and I had the mint chocolate brownie; all I can say is OH MY GOODNESS!!!

    The only reason I'm even on the fence about that last star is the BYOB point.  I like the concept, I do, and I like that they do it RIGHT.  Toronto tried the BYOB thing a few years ago, but with "corking fees" equivalent to a crappy bottle of wine from a restaurant (or decent one from the LCBO), it never seemed to fly.  But here?  NO corking fee!  We were handed a corkscrew as we paid for food.  That said, I didn't necessarily like that there were no alcoholic options; my friend and I joked about a restaurant we saw in Lincoln Park that was "BYOB and Full Bar!" but I think the idea has merit!

    If only this place had a home in Toronto... To the owners, seriously PLEASE consider coming!

  • 2.0 star rating
    10/15/2012

    This should have been so much better, but it really wasn't that thrilling.  Granted, the flavor combinations were cool and conceptually worked, but excess salt and oil drowned any real joy the meal could have provided.  Maybe it was an off night but, overall, the execution simply wasn't good.  The boricua had a damp cardboard texture and the flavor didn't do much to redeem it.  The meatballs with rice noodles were better, but nothing to recommend to a friend.  The brussels sprouts were definitely the highlight of the meal, easily taking center stage from the meh-fries.  There are better restaurants to get excited about.

  • 2.0 star rating
    7/7/2012

    The menu lists which items are vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free, but does not disclose that the Korean BBQ and the mayo for the fries has fish sauce in it.

    The Boricua sandwich was inedible as a sandwich-- far too mushy and greasy. Good quality tofu, but the sauce left a lot to be desired. My wife ate her whole sandwich, I could only stomach about 1/3 of mine. When dealing with cuisine that has a lot of bold flavors, re-imagining it becomes difficult, as you lose the flavor balance that the culture that developed those dishes worked out over hundreds of years. It was very "meh." There was a silver lining, though:

    The french fries were crispy and delicious (even if you forgo the fish-sauce-filled mayo and have ketchup instead), and the soft serve was scrumptious. My wife had the caramel cinnamon and I had the mint brownie.

    We may be back for the dessert, but everything else was a disappointment.

  • 5.0 star rating
    5/13/2011

    I think I might have fallen in love a little bit. While their website boasts that they are a "neighborhood eatery" and I in no way live in their neighborhood, I certainly wish they would move to mine.

    As a first timer I was slightly confused as there are waitresses who bring you your menu, but they explain that you get your own water and silverware and then leave you to order at the counter (similar to Corner Baker who get a table menu and they bring you your delish nosh).

    I had a Tofu Boricua. This might have been my first time eating plantain and man oh man was it heavenly. The kimchi was absolutely divine and mama like it.  I followed this up with the Vietnamese Cinnamon Caramel ice cream... you will never want another kind of ice cream again. There could not possibly have been enough topping to fulfill my stomach's desires.

    I would absolutely recommend this place to anyone looking for good food and a comfortable environment.

  • 5.0 star rating
    5/12/2012

    If you can stomach watching hipsters drinking PBR, this place is certainly worth it.  The BBQ beef was delicious, accompanied with kimchee and bread.  The side of brussels sprouts with chorizo was interesting and tasty, along with the fries.  The bacon chocolate chip got rave reviews, but wasn't my thing.  I wish it stayed open slightly later.

  • 4.0 star rating
    1/8/2011 Updated review
    16 check-ins

    I still love Belly Shack.  To my list of stuff I've now had the (excuse the fact that I don't know formal names of these dishes):

    - salad that has shrimp, oranges, jacoma and chips.   Sounds weird, tastes delish.  It's cold, which I didn't expect but still very good.  I can see myself eating more of these salads in the summer.  

    - key lime berry flavored ice cream.  really the ice cream is the lime flavor and there's berries all over it.  I'm not a fruit-in-my-food kinda girl, but it was cool.  I probably won't order it again though but I'm not disappointed that I had it.

    - some kind of sweet potatoes in a squash shell.  those were wonderful!!

    - Caesar salad.  I know you're thinking "what's special about a Caesar?"  well this one had huge romaine hearts (?. I say heart because it was the nutritional part not just the leaves.  and there were some kind of cool beans in it.  Idk what kind of beans. and the croutons didn't taste like regular stale bread croutons. and the Caesar dressing tasted like they make it there.  

    I still l-o-v-e my beloved beef boriqua.  Me and her will never part.
    And I wish they could bottle and sell curry mayo.  

    And they're always really nice to me.

    4.0 star rating
    10/9/2010 Previous review
    I have a special love for the marinated beef on crispy plaintain sandwich, aka a Jabarito.  It is… Read more
  • 4.0 star rating
    10/28/2011 Updated review

    Tried the belly dog and it was goooood. Came with the fries I love, so that was a bonus. Also tried a salad there for the first time - somen noodle salad (shrimp, noodles, tortilla chips, tomatillo, etc) and that was delicious! Such a good combination of flavors and textures. The boyfriend wanted to try the frozen yogurt with chocolate chips and bacon, so I went with it. The frozen yogurt itself was REALLY good and the toppings made it fantastic. I've always wanted to try a bacon-infused dessert and this was a good start. The bacon gave it a salty, bacon-y aftertaste.

    Went on a weekend night and saw a ton of people who BYO'd - will definitely be doing this in the future. A cold beer would have been PERFECT with the belly dog. Can't wait to go back again!

    4.0 star rating
    10/1/2011 Previous review
    Want to give it 4.5 stars. I really like this place, but reserve the 5 star rating for my absolute… Read more
  • 2.0 star rating
    11/21/2012

    I would give this at least four stars because the food is pretty good... as long as they're not giving you food from someone else's table, which is all we can figure happened. A few of us shared an order of tostones and realized that one of the last ones already had 2 bites taken from it. We're all adults, so none of us are going to take 2 bites and put it back in the shared basket. After going through a few scenarios, we figured that they must've reused uneaten tostones from another order. Not acceptable. Perhaps there is a better explanation, but I can't think of what it is. And yes, they absolutely were bites, it wasn't just broken.

  • 5.0 star rating
    12/21/2012

    I love, love, love this place.  I am starting to think the best places to eat in the world are underneath train stations/tracks.  The meatball sandwich is awesome and very creative with the pile of noodles on the meatballs inside the tasty pita like bread.  The topper is the soft serve ice cream.  It was amazing.  We had the soft serve with caramel and cinnamon.  WOW!  I almost licked the bowl.  I don't know what they put in the ice cream but it is hands down the best I have ever tasted.

  • 5.0 star rating
    12/18/2012

    Went to this place over the weekend. Soo good! I got the beef and Kimchi combo (#1) . The beef was tender and juicy and had this incredible sauce, I think it was plum sauce? Whatever it was, it went great with the kimchi. Btw - I'm not some kimchi enthusiast, it just happened to work well in this instance.The spiced fries were also tasty.

  • 3.0 star rating
    5/13/2012

    The menu is small and pretty good. I wasn't impressed enough to go back, but nothing terrible happened either (other than our food all coming out at different times). It's an in-between fast-food/restaurant kind of place - like Chipotle or Panera or something, only like, better and local I guess.

  • 4.0 star rating
    12/13/2012

    This is a bucktown favorite for me. I loved the tostones with chimi churri sauce nice twist, the portions are perfect just enough of unique flavors and combinations that keeps you satisfied. Right under the blue line so you do hear the train but not an issue at least for me.

  • 2.0 star rating
    12/8/2012

    belly shack

    quick overview
    too salty
    too expensive
    mildly confused concoctions.... errr, whoops my-bad: mashups

    details-
    we ordered:
    1 korean bbq beef sandwich
    1 pork meatball/somen noodle sandwhich
    1 somen noodle/shrimp salad
    1 fries
    1 kim chi
    1 izzies soda
    1 ice cream
    $44

    I have begrudgingly become accustomed to the $9+ sandwich. It's an unspoken line that chef's cross haphazardly either because an accountant priced the sandwich or because a chef's ego got in the way.

    The Korean BBQ Beef sandwich - Taking bulgogi and running it through a tasty BBQ sauce is a decent idea, and that's it. There was no sandwich, a pita-esque pocket bread type thing is cut into 4, a spoonful of bulgogi-bbq, and a spoonful of kimchi comes on a plate. The bread - which is an integral component to any sandwich is tasteless, dry and cold. The beef is salty and barely warm. The kimchi is tasty. Essentially you are left on your own to stuff the combination of kimchi and beef into 1/4 circles of tasteless cold pocket bread.

    The pork meatball/somen noodle sandwich - Another seemingly nice mashup idea within the context of a sandwich. Sadly the same bread as the BBQ beef makes another appearance but this time it's sliced in half for the sandwich fillings. Frankly with bad bread, the sandwich is cursed. The bread was again tasteless, dry and cold, the meatball was tasty, but barely warm, and the noodles appearance truthfully made no impact other than visually. I had hoped the noodles would have been steeped in a flavor so as to add to the overall experience, but they weren't,
    the noodles were just a novelty act atop this mashup.

    The somen noodle and shrimp salad - I can't honestly delve too far into this as I am not as much of shrimp lover as my partner is, but I found the semi soggy tortilla chips at the bottom of the salad to be another novelty lost in a haze 'trying too hard'.

    The fries were real good n tasty, and the aoli was a fine addition.

    The kimchi had a different than usual tang that I liked, nice flavor, good heat... but very salty overall.

    Vietnamese cinnamon and caramel atop vanilla softserve - The cinnamon is quite amazing, and the caramel is very nice - but seriously not enough of either, so the dessert was 99% vanilla softserve... whatta jip.

    I am no hurry to return.

    If you like really salty everything at an ultra hipster spot with poorly conceived mashups for the sake of mashups, then you have found your foodshack soulmate.

  • 4.0 star rating
    2/11/2012

    Really great food for a quick meal or takeout. Not a very large selection, but the options available are really good and the service is great.

    Try the huckleberry lime ice cream for desert! The curry fries are really amazing and cheap, too.

  • 4.0 star rating
    4/22/2011

    BYOB.  Chefs that know what they're doing and not some Shmoe throwing whatever together. Industrial-Urban decor. Menu items priced less than $10?!  AWWWW-SHNIGIDDY!  

    Here's the run-down of what we had:
    Kalbi - PERFECTLY marinated - not too sweet, not overcooked, not too charred...good texture and the side of balanced kimchi made my belly...shack =)
    Asian Meatball Sandwich - dope meatballs nestled in a pita with ramen-slaw bursting out of it.  Calculated flavors, and well executed.
    Vietnamese Caramel Cinammon Soft Serve - Holy Sh*#$%!  I'd come back for just that!? Even my husband(who isn't much of a sweet tooth was stuffed, but still managed to kill the rest of my soft serve! =(

    I would definitely go back for an impromptu-inexpensive date night.  A buddy of ours told us to check out Urban Belly  - I guess its the same peeps who own Belly Shack, but its a little higher end, so I'm eager to try it.  ON TO THE NEXT!

  • 4.0 star rating
    8/22/2011
    1 check-in

    Meatball sandwich was very good.  At first the ginger hit me hard, but a few more bites brought some great balance to the party.  I particularly enjoyed the bread - soft but sound.

    Brussel sprouts with sausage were very good.  Cooked right, not bitter, and full of flavor.

    Loved the tonstones.  More moist than a lot of places.  Great garlic sauce.

    My friend had the soup - I tried one bite really enjoyed it.  Almost made me wish I had ordered it, but I was hungry, so the meatballs were the right call.

  • 3.0 star rating
    10/24/2011

    I am somewhat torn about this place. I always crave it and I always seek it out.

    The interior is cool--raw loft type space with Banksy-mimic prints on the walls. The menu is generally always the same with a few incoming items seasonally. I love the fries with the curry dipping sauce. I also always get the meatball sandwich. I've had the chocolate bacon ice cream but it's just chocolate ice cream with the equivelant of bacon bits on top. Kind of a buzz kill.  It's a lot of food and I need to bring it home.

    Once I get home...my stomach starts to growl, rumble and roar and I start to regret eating there. The next day when I open my fridge the smell the comes out from my leftovers is pretty foul.

    So...the interior is cool, the employees are awesome but the food needs to be eaten there...don't bring it home and expect a sour stomach after.

  • 2.0 star rating
    10/23/2011

    I think this place will be good to those who don't know Asian cuisine and where to get it in the city.

    The food was an attempt to fuse different types of asian cuisine,e.g. korean dishes with chinese and japanaese dishes with latin flair. Not an improvment on the original. I ordered the beef sanwich for $9. It was basically korean bukoki with something like a sesame bread and small stack of kimchi.

    Ok, it tasted like bulkoki. How is this any different than what you can buy at the asian markets for much cheaper and get alot more and tastes much better and takes 3 minutes to grill.

    Also got the chicken pho soup. Pho is a vietnamese noodle soup and for you "in the know" Argyle street has huge bowls of pho on the cheappy, cheap that taste 150% better. This soup tasted like salty water with tofu.

  • 4.0 star rating
    1/25/2011

    Went here tonight for the 2nd time this month. The first time I went I got the Asian Meatball sandwich and curry fries...amazing! Tonight I got the special of fried chicken and cornbread. Really yummy quick food that hits the spot and has some unique flavor combinations. The only reason for 4 stars and not five is the stools are pretty uncomfortable and I think it's overpriced...$10 for a sandwich and $5 for tostones or fries. But it's good so I'll keep going back when I'm in the mood for this kind of food.

  • 3.0 star rating
    10/16/2010

    Coming from soCal where the fathers of the korean/latin fusion school started the Kogi BBQ trucks -- which I followed around on Twitter like a school girl stalking Justin Bieber --I had really high hopes for this place.

    The good:

    The Kogi is good, the kimchi is both cucumbery and cabbagey which made my day.

    The Japanese Curry Mayo dipping sauce for the fries. Seriously, I want to start and end everyday with a mouthful of that.

    The decor is a neat sort of minimalist industrial and it fits well with the location under the el tracks.

    The tostones! The garlic/citrus/cilantro chimichurri was BOMB. Not only that, this was the only place I've ever ordered fried plantains, bulgogi, and french fries all at the same time!

    The tofu in the cuban sandwich - props for having vegan options, and for paying attention to detail for this amazing dish.

    The Bad:

    The "bread" for the deconstructed Kogi sandwich. Honestly, it's a ten dollar sandwich. I think they could've done a tiny bit better than packaged pita bread from Dominick's. The bread was the weakest link in what otherwise would've been the perfect dish.

    The french fries - while the seasoning was perfect and the curry mayo was equally awesome, they were bagged and frozen french fries and it almost hurt my feelings that they didn't care enough to use fresh potatoes.

    Even with the disappointment in starches, this place still delivered a decent meal and i'm excited to go back and give it another shot.

  • 5.0 star rating
    11/3/2013

    Been to Belly Shack numerous times and it never disappoints. The meatball sandwich is flavorful and satisfying. The fries and curry mayo are dangerously addictive. Both salads are creative and delicious. The hot dog was all-beef with crispy noodles and tangy green papaya sauce.  They had a curry butternut squash soup as a special this weekend (yes, it was so good on Saturday that we went back Sunday for more).  Quite possibly the best soup I have ever tasted. Funky decor and room, nice attentive staff, moderately priced for the super-creative and unique flavor combos you get.  Took our vegetarian friend there today and she raved. We would reccomend Belly Shack to anyone looking for tasty, flavorful Asian-inspired food in a cool, comfortable friendly atmosphere.

  • 5.0 star rating
    11/3/2013

    Yum, yum, yum! Interesting favor combinations & innovative fusion at a fair price! I had the butternut squash curry soup (special) for lunch today and would like to have it again for dinner! Its a must try!

  • 5.0 star rating
    12/24/2011 Updated review
    3 check-ins

    Every time I come here, I eat the tostones, korean beef and french fries.  

    The french fries hit the mark with the curry mayonaisse.
    The beef is great on its own. Add the kimchi and its off the charts awesome.

    Overall, the spice and flavor combinations are ridiculously awesome.  

    The staff is always friendly and the atmosphere is great.  

    I crave this place.   I dont say that about many places I have eaten
    The staff is friendly from the minute you put your order in.

    They become ninja's filling your glasses with water and taking your plates away with swiftness.

    I can't wait to go back.

    5.0 star rating
    9/3/2011 Previous review
    You ever find a place with certain food you crave?
    This is the place.

    The Korean Beef, Brussel sprouts…
    Read more
  • 5.0 star rating
    11/17/2012

    I absolutely love this place. They get an A+ for creativity (who'd thought combining Korean and Puertorican cuisine would be so scrumdelicious!!). They keep the menu simple and have rotating specials to keep it interesting. Keep up the great work!

  • 4.0 star rating
    10/22/2010

    .. ok so, my mom loves this place, she just thinks its super, and so for her birthday we went there. I had never been and when i said 'ok mom, whats awesome?' she couldnt remember. she simply waved her hand furiously at the menu board and said 'i dont know. All of it.'.. ok.. and so she ordered us a whole lot.
    We ordered the Kogi, the Belly dog, the fries, and I had the hot/sour soup.. Ill start there because that was all I really really wanted.. And it was profound as hell. Its a combo of hot/sour soup and tortilla soup!?!  Its the shit. i mean, so damn good I couldnt believe it.

    Both the kogi and the dog were great, really quite good but my attention just kept returning to the stupid awesomeness of my soup.

    The fries were damn fine.. and then we had ice cream and i had the bacon chocolate because its an amazing and all-time favorite combo.. but it was meh at best. it was non plus.. thats fine. its all about the soup.

    so we left and I shrugged saying I enjoyed it but doubted Id get back anytime soon..

    How about 4 days later.

    the soup. that damn soup.. and THEN I discovered the greens and chorizo.. when they say 'greens' they mean Brussels sprouts. Do you know what I love? yep.. Brussels sprouts. love. so I have a new very complete incredibly awesome meal for under $10..

    shit. I totally want it right now.. so.. if youre in the area, go. its good. Its really casual, the environment is fine, whatever. You order at the counter and they bring it to you. you eat it and leave. no problem.

Belly Shack - 227 Photos - Latin American - Logan Square - Chicago, IL - Reviews - Menu - Yelp
 

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  • 2.0 star rating
    8/30/2010

    This is a five star concept running on four cylinders.

    Been to NY,  amazing Korean fusion.  had some on the West coast as well,  oh yeah.

    The menu is short and sweet,  I love small compact controllable menus.  I opted for the chicken sandwich,  over marinated (rubbery)  way too much marinate residue,  it clung to my teeth and wouldn't leave.  The bread was reminiscent of pizza dough and was too fluffy and big too really make a sandwich out of.  Then,  afterward,  the belching began.  A raw garlic experience I have never felt before,  it brutalized my system,  for hours.

    The Korean BBQ beef was very tender thanks to a brutal pounding under some sort of mechanical tenderizer,  the meat was very tasty and well seasoned.  The bread was much better matched to make little sandwiches,  although the portions are quite small for the price.

    The menu is interesting and I would love to try other things,  but eating here has caused intestinal distress in both of us and many other Yelpers.  I do not think this is a food poisoning issue at all,  the amount of spices,  marinade and overall seasoning is just way out of wack.  I believe they are marinating the meats too long and over seasoning some things,  because of this I won't go back.  The lemonade was as good as I have had,  the room is sparse and the music........................ethereal?

    Maybe a cool place to grab a sandwich before grabbing your train,  but the sandwiches I saw are build your own?

    This restaurant makes me feel old and unimportant.

  • 5.0 star rating
    1/15/2013

    This is the kind of place that makes me wish I lived in Chicago.  You can taste the passion and the joy in this food. The menu is playful and based on a vast knowledge of  different cuisines.  It has a pulse.  The Korean BBQ, the Kimchi, the Brussel Sprouts with Chorizo, the Asian Meatballs; all insanely delicious.  Chef Kim exhibits true genius again and again.

  • 2.0 star rating
    10/3/2010

    I need to get this off my chest- I am so tired of reading about the owners of this restaurant in Time Out Chicago and Chicago Magazine and all the other food publications I subscribe to. I simply cannot believe there aren't other creative forces in this industry that are worth writing about.

    Unless I'm missing something, I did not see any parking nearby this joint. There was a vast, empty lot next door but I saw no signs to indicate that Belly Shack customers could park there.  So first challenge: Parking.

    Second challenge: the decor. I also kind of hate the ironic graffiti thing going on. I think there are better ways to do it. How about hanging some art from local artist to give them a venue?  They could have done something really cool with street artists and rotating exhibits.  I did like the music a lot.

    Onto the food.  I thought it was overpriced. A meatball sandwich, an order of fries and a can of diet coke was $14.  The sandwich was a funny shaped half pita with three meatballs and some spaghetti noodles (looked like spaghetti noodles to me anyway) and a dollop of hot sauce with the ubiquitous cilantro on top.   For the price it was lame.  And SALTY. Everything was so salty it burned my mouth. At first I thought it was the seasoning on the fries but everything is way over salted and over seasoned. They love their cilantro here too, man alive. I get what the other reviewer meant when he said he was burping up this stuff for hours afterward.

    I will say that the curry sauce for the fries was freaking awesome . My advice would be to serve the fries plain with a little pinch bowl of seasoning mix, and a side of that curry sauce and then let the guests season their own fries and enjoy the hell outta that sauce.

  • 4.0 star rating
    10/14/2010

    The Belly Shack is really efficient, tasty and affordable - PLUS it is BYOB.  On the particular day I was here last, my dinner at Belly Shack cost LESS than my lunch did that day.  Plus I had leftovers.

    The decor is a bit minimal. . so if you are looking for some coziness, don't come here. . . but the food is so good, I would have eaten it out of a paper box.

    Please, please, please try the caramel ice cream.  A. MAY. ZiNG.  Think fried ice cream but better.  Also you must have some of their lemonade because it is also to die for.  

    I will be back, Belly Shack!

  • 5.0 star rating
    10/5/2011

    Go. Bring some beer, say - Kronenbourg. Get the Asian Meatball sandwich with the Brussel Sprouts on the side. Thank me later.

    NO, Really. Do exactly this.

  • 1.0 star rating
    3/9/2011

    Beware of the Gluten Free claims.

    Gluten free diets often/always come with allergies and such in tow.  I don't understand why a place would advertise "Gluten Free" food and then refuse to hold off on condiments.  It's a condiment ...?

    I was incredibly excited about this place and talked about it for days when I learned that they had a Gluten Free menu, as my life at restaurants is pretty limited to steakhouses (I know ... Paleo sounds rough doesn't it...).

    When I went in, they refused to sell me a hibarito without the disgusting sugary crap sauce they put on it and told me they wouldn't hold anything.  I'm not really sure how someone who eats gluent free could eat here, and I don't really think that the person who planned the whole gluten free pitch knows what gluen free is really about.  I wonder if they batter their plantain chips in flour ....

    It's a shame, because it sounded great.

  • 3.0 star rating
    1/21/2011

    3* Korean BBQ Beef
    1.5* Asian Pork Meatball
    3.5* Belly Dog
    1.5* Boricua
    1* Hot & Sour Soup
    4* Togarashi Spiced Fries with curry mayo
    2.5* Kimchi

  • 4.0 star rating
    4/30/2012

    Second time at Belly Shack, really enjoyed it.  Went with a group of friends before a show at Gorilla Tango, Friday night at 8 pm.  They won't seat you until your whole party is there, so make sure your friends are on time!  Had the Boricua the first time around, a tofu sandwich served on crispy plantains.  Got the Quinoa Ssam salad this time, basically fold your own lettuce wraps.  They were good, a little spicy for me but I'm a self-admitted wimp.  BYOB, also grabbed a great ginger soda.  I ordered soft serve for our group, the Vietnamese Cinnamon Carmel, reminiscent of horchata.  The table raved about the Brussel sprouts, and the fries were thin and crispy.  We had a great pre-show dining experience, exactly what we wanted and needed.

  • 3.0 star rating
    9/6/2011

    Puerto Rican- Korean eats... sounds amazing but did not quite rise to my expectations.  I would rate this place 3.5 stars.  

    I had the Boricua (Crispy plantain with marinated beef) which was good, but I felt the addition of rice was unnecessary.  Jibaritos in general have a wonderful make-up: the crispy plantain as bread, the meaty, salty steak, and the freshness of lettuce and tomato.  I was looking more for the same textural make-up, with a different flavor profile.  That said, I wish they had added more fresh vegetables or even kimchi to help freshen it up, instead of carbs on top of carbs.  The togarashi spiced fries were very good and not greasy at all and the accompanying curry dip was also wonderful.  

    There are many other menu items that appeal: the brussel sprouts and chorizo and the dessert as well: Mindy Segal is their pastry chef!

  • 5.0 star rating
    12/7/2012

    This place is fantastic!  Love all of the interesting flavors and fusions they have going on here.  It's a cool place in a convenient location with great service.  Now let's talk food.  I LOVED the Korean BBQ Beef - YUM!  I'm a new fan of brussels sprouts and theirs really deliver.  I got the tostones per my fellow Yelper recommendations, but those weren't my fave - a little too oily, but they were good.  My husband enjoyed them, so maybe it was just me.  I'm definitely looking forward to going back soon!

  • 3.0 star rating
    9/29/2011

    Industrial -Skateboard- a- bit- Punk atmosphere mixed with uber-creative Asian Latino fushion cuisine.

    I stopped in for a bite of something before getting on the Western bus from the Blue Line and was SO happy I did- Trying to get hired by CPS will make anyone hungry.  

    I had the Somen Noodle Salad with shrimp- part japanese noodle, part tortilla chips and tomatillo sauce, part not nearly large enough pile of tastiness on my plate and a Fizzy Lizzy.  It set me back 11 dollars, which is a little pricey for my currently underemployed state of being... but I was happy I tried it.  

    I may have to make a special trip down there on the Western bus to try something else- if I'm lucky enough to get a job to help support my eating out habits!  (... want to try more dishes before I give it the full 4 stars)

  • 4.0 star rating
    5/27/2011
    3 check-ins

    I went here after a fantastic bike ride on one of those days that the weather was perfect. I walked in the door and saw the unique menu and knew I had to have the Belly Dog.

    The belly dog was probably one of the best hot dog recreations I have ever had!! I was accompanied by togarashi fries that were flavorful and fantastic. The whole service size was perfect.

    My only two complaints is that there are not more diet drink options and that my boyfriend and I ordered the same thing at the same time yet my food came out first and we had to wait a good five minutes before his arrived. That was a little disappointing.

    Staff here checks up on you and  the owner oversees the kitchen and each plate that comes out, then he delivers it himself to your table.

    I will be back here....it is a bit pricey but I am excited to try what they have to offer. Even though lunch for two was $25 it was well worth it.

    Bike parking out front under the El.

  • 4.0 star rating
    8/2/2010

    Not gonna lie.  I loved this place.

    That particular intersection that's sort of in no man's land on the cusp of Wicker Park/Bucktown/Humboldt Park NEEDS something trendy, cool and moderately cheap.  I kind of laugh at the comments saying that Belly Shack is over-priced.  Is it?  Mmmmmaybe a little.  But it's not going to set you back any more than, say, buying a sandwich at Letizia's just a few blocks away on Division.  And, while I enjoy Letizia's, the spices in the food at Belly Shack make the cuisine more exciting, in my opinion.

    I ordered a Lemongrass Chicken "sammich."  I really wasn't in the mood for a sandwich; however, the salad options weren't getting me revved up.  It wasn't them.  It was me.  I'd just worked out - do you ever get that way?  Where you're hungry but nothing really sounds good?  Yeah, it was like that.  So the Lemongrass Chicken sounded like an okay option.  I figured I'd just deconstruct my sandwich when it arrived.  No need!  The sandwich is actually served so that you can assemble it yourself.  This pleased me greatly.   I also ordered a side of tostones to share with my dining companions.  Although they were especially oily, the spices were out of this world.  We're talking serious punches of flavour!  LOVED it.

    The decor in Belly Shack is something that I find especially appealing.  It can best be described as "industrial."  Concrete, steel and particle board are the primary materials.  Usually when you see a restaurant with industrial design, it tends to be kind of cavernous, giving the sensation of always being empty.  Frankly, I like that Belly Shack is a smaller restaurant.  Even with the "colder" materials, there's a welcoming coziness.  

    So why four stars instead of five?  

    One of my dining companions has very specific dietary needs (we're talking "visit to the emergency room" if she ingests the wrong things).  She kept explaining this patiently to the person behind the counter who, while nice, just wasn't getting it.  My friend can't have bread.  It can't even touch the other food on her plate.  When requested that the bread just be eliminated from her plate completely, the answer she received was "No substitutions, sorry."  When Belly Shack says "no substitutions," they mean it.

    Also, while I don't think the prices are outrageous, $11 for a sandwich with no side dish is a bit on the high side.

    So there you have it.  If you want a delicious sandwich that's a cool Asian/Puerto Rican fusion of flavours and don't mind shelling out a little extra for it, Belly Shack is definitely your go-to place.

  • 3.0 star rating
    3/31/2011

    I was so excited about this place but getting there was hard and parking was not easy so I would give up and go somewhere else. Finally after work, I thought let's try again.  I got the belly dog and got the asian meatball to go.  The spicy fries and curry mayo was so good but  I wasn't so crazy about the hot dog. I love carbs but this was just too much, the bun was really heavy and then you add the crispy ramen noodle, after three bites, I had to remove the rest of the bun. It is heavily well favor.  As for the asian meatball, it was a weird texture and favor and I just didn't like.

  • 5.0 star rating
    5/13/2011

    Yum Yum Yum
    Five stars for the soft serve ice cream with lime & huckleberries! Fresh & fruity and rich! Well worth the 4 bucks!

    Also the T. fries were fantastic, light & crisp with creamy mayo dipping sauce.

  • 5.0 star rating
    8/2/2011

    Great organic food.  I went with a group of 10 and we tried about 6-7 different things loved everything they had.  All the food was fresh, cooked well and tasted great!  I ordered the number 2 with tofu and it was delicious (even my wife liked it and she doesn't normally like tofu).

    It's byob, good prices, quick and in a good location.  I recommend and I will be returning often

  • 5.0 star rating
    9/22/2011
    12 check-ins

    Yeah this place rocks! Twice here already menu is pretty small (they also have couple items off the menu) First time I had Belly Dog which was fantastic. Second time I ordered meatball sandwich and Togarashi fries (TIP!).

    This is one of those places that you will just pass by if you don't know about it. Its located underneath Western Blue Line which will make it bit loud inside however they have soundproofed the ceiling so the train noise is not so bad - you can definitely have a conversation. What makes this place is food - perfectly spiced and full of flavor.

    make sure to ask them about their canned drinks with pieces of fruit in it (they change flavors from time to time) YUM! 5 stars

  • 2.0 star rating
    7/9/2010

    Korican Food (Korean + Puerto Rican) = fusion FAIL!

    The combination of flavors created a war zone in my tummy by the night's end. Belly Shack should consider renaming to Belly Ache.

    I ordered:
    Korean BBQ Sammich ($10)
    Roasted Sweet Potatoes ($5)
    Bacon Chocolate Chip Ice Cream ($4)
    Soda ($1.50)

    First Star: The BBQ sandwich was pretty good. I wish it came pre-assembled for the price. The kimchi could have been a nice touch if it were spicy. Oh yeah and maybe shave that price tag by 3 or 4 George Dubs. Or charge me $10 but at least throw in a small side.

    No Stars: Roasted Sweet Potatoes with maple syrup and pho spices. My love for pho made me order this side and I'm pretty sure the spices were more reminiscent of the seasoning/rub used on peking roasted ducks. Whatever the case was, the flavors were not working. Too sweet.

    Second Star: Bacon Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, while the genius-ness of this dish was more about the topping that was created by Hot Chocolate (another restaurant) but I'll give them the star anyway. Vanilla soft-served ice cream topped with crunchy bits of chocolate and bacon. The smoky bacon was good and I wished it had more bacon. Kind of reminded me of Bacos though, the red/pink bits.

    No Stars: Their service sucked last night. All our orders came out in a Kim Jong mess. Our sandwich orders got messed up, our sides came out after we were half way done with our sandwiches and what made the situation more sucky was that the servers were kinda nasty about it. Not a smile to be seen.

    No Stars: Prices are re-donk. Just for myself, I spent close to $30 after tax + tip. Sandwiches should not cost that much. They might get more frequent eaters if they re-evaluated their prices a bit.

  • 4.0 star rating
    8/3/2010

    It's a novel idea: Korean meets Puerto Rican.  I had the korean bbq kogi sammie with kimchi and a side of the sauteed veggies and chorizo.  The food was good.  The icecream (softserve with bacon and choco chip cookies) served in the old-school stainless steel rice bowl was delicious and left a lasting impression.  

    But why am I not willing to give that one extra star to make it a five-star review...?  Can't quite put a finger on it.  But it's something along the line of, "I'm Korean - therefore, it's hard to impress me with derivatives of Korean cuisine."  

    I also don't know how I feel about paying nearly $20 for a very casual sandwich meal.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/8/2011

    I had read the reviews and my son advised me to try the food. He's a fan. He didn't say what to try.
    I have to say, the fries are the Best on the planet! The Hot and Sour soup is spectacular and today's special Curry Tuna sandwich was heavenly! My husband and I shared those three items and it was plenty. The flavors are a delicious surprise and I will be back! I'm looking forward to trying Urban Belly next.

  • 4.0 star rating
    8/18/2010
    Listed in Damn Good Food

    I was here to celebrate a friend's birthday.  Even though there's very few items on the menu, I already know I have to come back to try everything else.

    I ordered the Boricua (#5) which is their vegetarian sandwich very similar to a jibarito.  Now I'm not a vegetarian but once in a while, I'm willing to swing that way.  I didn't realize there were mushrooms which I'm not a fan of, but I was ok with it.  The Sriracha/black bean paste sauce that complimented it was a nice touch.  The tostones were nice and the bacon chocolate chip soft serve ice cream showed off that salty/sweet blend that make people say "Bacon on ice cream?!  Is that even good?"

    The staff is so nice and answers any questions you have about the menu items.  And there's something about the Blue Line rumbling from above just completes the overall urban ambience which I like.

  • 3.0 star rating
    3/25/2012

    In the tradition of MomoFuku Noodle Bar in NYC and Kogi in LAX (I know some of you will disagree) comes Belly Shack, Chicago's version of Korean Noodles and other....... Belly Dog and Aspian Meatball Sandwiches wi/Kimchi. Pretty good, but I have to agree with some fellow yelpers that the food balance was just off. Not by much, just slightly out of place taking away from the quality ingredients they put into everything. Fries were really damn good and the Brussel Sprouts/Chorizo good, but again out of balance and overcooked leaving the sprouts soft and flimsy. I really liked the atmosphere (beat up old building under the "L') and  like alot of casual places around town, you order at the counter and they bring it to you.

  • 2.0 star rating
    7/6/2010

    I'm Puerto Rican.

    PLEASE don't call a sandwich with black beans and flavorless tofu that you can't eat with your hands because it is gushing some sort of fluid "Boricua." I get the fusion idea, but it didn't do anything right. None of the flavors on it were even reminiscent of the stuff I've grown up loving. Oh wait, because there wasn't any to begin with.

    Two stars for the fries.

    Also, this place is way too pricey for what it is. Srsly.

    If I remember correctly, there's faux graffiti on the walls kvetching about gentrification. LOLWUT? An overpriced eatery that wouldn't be accommodating to a normal working class market and is basically in a Wicker Park eventual runoff location biting the hand that feeds (eats)?

    LOLOLOLOLOLOL

  • 2.0 star rating
    8/24/2010

    The 'ironic barrio' decor is a little hard to take when you have to walk through a legitimately poor neighborhood to get here. Maybe the foodies cracking their bottles of wine find it clever, but it felt like playing pretend when the real thing was just around the corner.

    The food was pretty bland. Not 'subtle' or 'balanced'...bland. The tostones were the only exception and next time I'd just power through a plate of their tangy, greasy goodness and skip the meatball sandwich.

    The staff was...weird? You get the feeling they deal with a lot of problem customers and go out of their way to avoid any unnecessary interaction.

    You probably can't find these particular dishes anywhere else, but there's nothing here to make them worth the trip.

  • 1.0 star rating
    9/27/2010 Updated review

    again a second time here, salty too much $$$$
    go to pennys, this guy is weird. Big Head, im great is all he seems to want to say.
    again eat at joys pennys or any local joint that is value driven.
    i see this place closing in 2 years, the big head will move to his third restaurant and leave this to go down hill.
    salty food and small portions and too much $$$$$$$

    1.0 star rating
    12/16/2009 Previous review
    Very dark, salty food....a lot of money for a small portion as there is no rice added unless you pay… Read more
  • 2.0 star rating
    8/22/2012 Updated review

    Nothing was that good.  Overpriced and mediocre.  Like grahamwich.

    2.0 star rating
    7/11/2011 Previous review
    Fine great if in the area
  • 4.0 star rating
    7/1/2010

    With so much fondness for Urban Belly, Belly Shack seemed like a natural for second place (based on proximity and UB's stellar ramen, if nothing else). Belly Shack in no way disappointed.

    It helps to have gone there with a chef and friend of the Kim's, but I believe had that not even been the case we would have gotten the same delicious food treatment. From the squashed plantains with chimichurri to the Belly Dog special to the lettuce wraps to the lemongrass chicken to the watermelon salad to the cinnamon/carmel soft serve I felt like I couldn't shovel it in fast enough. Everything was so fresh, the flavors so perfectly melded and the sauces so very tasty. I loved it. I just loved it.

    Oh, and might I add that if you go there and you don't get the soft serve topped with chocolate chip cookie chunks and bacon that you might need your head examined.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/15/2010

    Belly Dog. Thursdays and Sundays.

    This hot dog with kimchi and noodles is so good!  I find myself randomly craving and it having to tell my stomach it's only there two days of the week.

    The fries and the japanese curry seasoning is so freakin' good!

    The decor and location may throw someone to think it's a craphole but do not read this by its cover.

    The server/cashier that is usually working when I go is as cute as a button.  Very sweet and will put a smile on your face instantly.

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/13/2012

    Before heading to a concert at an area venue we decided to pop into Belly Shack to give it a try. Yes, its been raved about for some time now. Yes, I'm late to the party, but boy am I glad I made it!

    For starters, the tostones are fantastic! The chimichurri sauce they come in is light enough not to overpower the texture and taste of the plantain but seasoned enough to give it some zest and pop! Our group got an assortment of menu items to give it a fair try: BBQ Beef sandwich, Boricua and the Asian Pork Meatball Sandwich.

    BBQ Beef: Stole the show. I've had my share of kimchi and figured this topping would be just the standard but it was richier, sweeter and crispier than any  I've had before. Kudos there. It balanced out the spice of the beef and dripped perfectly into the flatbread bed it called home.

    Boricua: Even for a veg. dish, it had heat, flavor and complex spices that made me forget there was no meat here!

    Pork Meatball Sandwich: Who knew noodles could be the perfect topping to a sadwich? Carbs with a side of carbs? Well, alright, just this once (until I go back.) The mint with the pork was another surprise, it really helped balance out the spiciness of the pork and chili paste, but the meat itself was well ground and tender. Not over dried and molded into balls of juicy perfect.

    Despite nontraditional toppings for a sandwich (ie: noodles on the meatball sub) the flavors were fantastic! Having been to the soup-sister of the Shack, I had a general idea what to expect, but I was way off. This was better than expected. The items were unique and packed a bigger flavor punch that I was imagining and left a lasting impression on my taste buds.

    For a busy night, the seating was available, service was pretty quick and everyone in the place was enjoying their food and being a BYOB, a few drinks as well.

  • 4.0 star rating
    5/28/2010

    I live a mere 2 blocks away, so pass this location almost daily and always wondered what would be contained in a place with this name? The answer: deliciousness.

    I had the lemongrass chicken, but was a bit confused it was referred to as a sammich and then just came with the hot filling and a couple pieces of flatbread. Hmmm... I shoulda skipped the bread & the empty carbs altogether. The flavor was fantastic, and definitely surprising, but in a very good way. The only thing that was a bit over the top was the amount of garlic in this thing. I took it home to eat & threw the package in the trash there - my husband came home 5 hours later & asked what the heck I was eating! I brushed my teeth 3 times that day/evening and just couldn't get rid of the garlic taste/smell. Other than than, I was delighted by the meal.

    The only problem here is that it's so hard to choose! Everything on the menu looks tasty, and now that I've done some more research on their menu online & know what everything looks like, I'm excited to head back for more!! I'll definitely be taking a couple friends here for dinner w/the BYOB option soon.

  • 4.0 star rating
    11/12/2010

    Yum!

    I came in hungover after deciding I needed something to eat, and boy was I cured!

    I had the kim chee followed by the Boricua sandwich.

    The kim chee was pretty good. They add fennel seed to it, which was interesting; I still cant decide if I like it or not. Overall though, it was good.

    The Boricua's flavors were awesome, but it was SUPER greasy, be prepared for it with a handful of actions.

    I'll be back!

  • 5.0 star rating
    10/11/2012

    I'm a fan of belly shack. I love the dimly lit ambiance, I love the sort of Korean Latin fusion they have going on, and I love that it's BYOB. My only word of warning is that some people might find the food a bit salty. But I don't. It is SOOOOOO good.

  • 3.0 star rating
    6/7/2011

    A friend recommended Belly Shack when we were looking for somewhere to eat one night.  I don't really think it lived up to her praise but I thought it held promise.  Enough so that I'm willing to give it another shot before I say I'm dunzo with this place.  We split the Korean BBQ beef, a tilapia dish that was either on special or they're not serving anymore, the togarashi fries and the tostones.  The tilapia was only so-so.  The beef was good but not great.  I should throw in a disclaimer here: Korean is probably my least favorite of the Asian cuisines, so I don't know if I'm really the best judge of this dish.

    I said it before, I'm saying it now and I will undoubtedly say it again.  I've never met a french fry that I haven't liked.  So it goes without saying that I thoroughly loved the togarashi fries.  And dipped in curry mayo - yes please.  I think in a previous life I was a Belgian because I firmly believe mayo belongs with fries (I may also have been a fat Southern woman - more on that another time).  I also enjoyed the tostones though they bordered a little bit on the soggy side as opposed to crispy.  

    Like I said, I'll give this place another chance.  I like the hybrid-fusion thing this place has going on.  I think the food at Urban Belly may be more geared towards my tastes so I might give that a whirl before I head back here.

  • 2.0 star rating
    8/27/2010
    1 check-in

    After really really wanting to go here for a long time, I went with 2 others.  We shared the coconut curry rice, kimchi, and greens with chorizo.  I got the plantain tofu jibarito-like sandwich.  It was pretty good, although the food was quite salty.

    So that was cool, then a few hours later while I was hosting an art show down the street, I got terribly ill.  This was in July, and one of my friends mentioned that the day before I went she'd seen an ad on Craigslist for a line cook at Belly Shack.  I'm waiting to go back there, because hopefully this was a one-time thing.  However, for now, I am  still wary, since I got so sick!

  • 4.0 star rating
    11/11/2011

    Food was decent. Lots of flavor. Had the belly dog, fries, tostones, meatball sandwich, and the chicken on plantain sandwich. All were unique, vibe was cool. it's BYOB. Bill Kim actually came in as we were leaving and cleaned our table when we were finished so that was cool.
    Overall, I would return, seems like a lot to do in the area.

  • 4.0 star rating
    5/31/2011

    I just stopped in here for a late dinner and then headed to Green Eye for a friends dinner. I didn't get to eat my "sammich" til later, but I was quite satisfied!

    I ordered the Boricua, a Jibarito with a twist. It was GREAT. It was flavorful, complex, veggies cooked just right. For the vegan/veg/gluten free crowd this is AWESOME. I really enjoyed it, and to tell the truth, I wasn't expecting it to be that surprisingly delicious.

    The place is pretty basic. Almost sparse. There's some weird "grafitti" style decor. The open space is nice, and the stools are really comfortable. I'll be back!

  • 5.0 star rating
    11/6/2011

    Everything is the bomb. The prices are great. The atmosphere is great.
    What more could you possibly want.  Everything this place wants to be, it is. Fries, Korean Beef & Kimchi, Tostones, Hot & Sour soup, their own lemonade. Congratulations, you guys have set a new standard. And by the way, I have not a clue who you guys are, but I like the staff just the way it is.  Its kind of like in a casual manner: get a clue, use your brain, observe... or get out. If you need to be handheld through your thinking process and coddled like a baby, then this isn't the place for you. DO NOT change your service. Every aspect is about branding your image. Its a memorable one in a very cool manner, that's all that matters.

  • 4.0 star rating
    6/4/2010

    I went here on a Thursday evening for dinner. There were quite a few people around 7pm, but we were able to find a seat easily.

    I ordered the catfish sandwich and the wasabi curry fries - both very good. I thought the bread on the catfish was kind of heavy and it could've been thinner slices, but I'm not a chef, so I can't really say. I just try to eat less carbs.

    Anyway, the restaurant got packed as the night went on and it got pretty  loud and sassy since the tables are near each other.

    The fries were really good and I also got to try the kimchi. The kimchi seemed less spicy and more sweet and vinegary, less traditional, but still tasty.

    I'd definitely go back and would order the Huckleberry frozen yogurt, which was very fresh and delicious....and try something new on the menu of course.

  • 4.0 star rating
    6/21/2010

    I finally ate here after adding it to my list of restaurants to try, and I was very pleased with everything but the prices (as most have already mentioned). I got the lemongrass chicken, which was very flavorful, and the tostones, which were even better! Yummy yummy flavors make my belly happy! So yea, I ate by my lonesome but wanted to get something other than just the lemongrass chicken, so I got the tostones and my total price with a coke was $17! That's a lot for one person in my book, but it's worth the splurge every once in a while, right? Yes I think so. I took half the tostones home with me and they definitely do not heat up well in the mic, but oh well they still smelled good.

    So I think maybe another day I will be back to try something else, and just stick with some water for a drink.

  • 3.0 star rating
    5/22/2011
    1 check-in

    Love the restaurant concept - right under the subway station, very urban, communal space, fast casual, and good food. You'd definitely want to show up with your "cool" friends b/c this is not a place that you should dress up for.

    We were there on a Saturday night (two of us) and waited for about 15 minutes (can wait in bar next door and they will call). The options are as expected - limited, but our belly dog was amazing. The soup was good too.

    Overall a small jem you can try when you are in the mood for sth edgy & quick.

Belly Shack - 227 Photos - Latin American - Logan Square - Chicago, IL - Reviews - Menu - Yelp
 

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  • 5.0 star rating
    6/29/2010

    My new favorite place! The food was amazing. My husband and I read about this place in Chicago Magazine. We have spread the word to so many people about how amazing the food is here.

    Well Done.

  • 5.0 star rating
    10/10/2010

    I like this place.  I really do. For what it is, it deserves the 5 stars.  I like the kogi beef sandwich with fries.  I like the kimchi, the ice cream, i like it all.  I like the partial self-service, as well as the minimal-but-somehow-urban feel.

    There is no "can i get you more water?"
    There are not many options
    There is no artistic plating
    This is the true no BS experience.  Right up my alley.

  • 4.0 star rating
    2/22/2011

    If there only more places like this in the world.  Every single thing we ordered, and we over ordered, sensational.  Full of flavor, every ingredient is clearly homemade and something I have never had before.  Very happy this place exists and I hope they spring up everywhere.  Very cool stuff.

    Little expensive.

  • 1.0 star rating
    4/2/2010

    I only gave one star because I couldn't give zero.

    My boyfriend and I were super excited to go to Belly Shack and try their famous Lemongrass Chicken. Unfortunately, they weren't super excited to see us.

    Belly Shack refuses to make any modifications to their menu for any reason, even dietary restrictions. So when my boyfriend (who has a food intolerance to red pepper) asked for his without that, they refused to serve him.

    Both the manager and the owner were inflexible, unapologetic and rude, citing their "policy" as a reason to turn away a paying customer who simply wanted one ingredient removed from his dish.

    If you're vegan, vegetarian, glucose-intolerant, or just simply care about what you put into your body, don't shop here. I know I won't - there are plenty of other restaurants in the area who will say "yes"  instead of "no."

  • 4.0 star rating
    2/7/2012

    I do enjoy when vegetarian are included in the party, and belly shack invited me right on in. I understand that I'm the one who has limited my diet, and I never expect restaurants to jump through hoops to please me. But I also really enjoy it when the same consideration for flavor and variety is given to those of us who do not consume, like, faces and such.

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/24/2011

    This place rocks on so many fronts ---

    First, I love when places are BYOB. They're already a winner in my books with this little bit.

    Second, the food is sensational. I love fusion. I love Asian and Latin flavours. Together? It's a taste explosion! Their Korean bbq plate is superb. The kimchi is perfectly balanced. The chicken curry is fresh and the cut of chicken is high quality, never fatty or dark meat. The plantains are fantastically prepared and seasoned. And the bread, my goodness, that bread. It's so darned good that it is worth this wheat-intolerant stomach's bloat to have a little taste. The Vietnamese cinnamon caramel ice cream is worth the visit alone.

    Third, the service is always friendly. The staff know the food. They have eaten it and can give the uninitiated an excellent recommendation. They are quick to help you out and never make you feel rushed. Which is easy for places that offer a fast casual style of dining to do. Not at all here.

    Finally, the price is completely fair. A little more than you would pay for a sandwich but for the quality of the ingredients, it is totally worth the extra dollar or two spent. The prices remain lower because they are BYOB. Everyone wins, in my eyes.

    I cannot give this place enough praise. They just rock!

  • 5.0 star rating
    4/27/2011

    Shackalicious!  I just thought I'd write a review to even out the haters that are inexplicably giving this place 3 stars or less?!?!  

    Is if fabulous?  No.
    Is it expensive? No.
    Is it a social scene? No.

    But, it is gooooood, especially for the little amount of $$ you spend to eat here.  Solid sandwiches with balanced flavor profiles, contrary to other reviewers who complain about lack of complexity.  Are they out of their minds.  Both of Bill Kim's restaurants just got props from Michellin this year.  

    Ignore the haters.  Go and enjoy.

  • 4.0 star rating
    3/19/2010

    On paper, there is no way this place should have lured me in. Limited menu of Korean Latin American fusion food served in a glorified cafeteria where I have to bring my own booze?

    But really, they make it work. I was lured here by some coworkers (all professional cooks), and we stopped at a nearby liquor store to pick up several (read: WAY too many) six-packs of tasty beer.

    The menu IS limited - there are only 5-6 appetizers and 5-6 entrees, one soup, and dessert is vanilla frozen yogurt with a choice of five toppings (created by Mindy Segal, the genius pastry chef behind Hot Chocolate). There were also two specials the night I was there.

    And lemme tell ya, whatever the place may lack in fancy decor and Cheesecake Factory-like menu tomes, it makes up for in fantastic food. I think between the ten of us we tried everything on the menu, and absolutely nothing was lacking. The squash/maple syrup/pho spices thing nearly blew my mind, and the lemongrass chicken sandwich made my knees weak. I also tried the huckleberry/lime topping on the frozen yogurt, and while it may have been simple it was excellent.

    So take it for what it is - it's not fancy, it's not pretentious, and no one will show up at your table with a napkin over her arm to open your bottle of wine. But you can pour your own damn water, and relax in a place where no one bothers you even if you sit there for two hours drinking, eating excessively and generally enjoying the evening.

    Go for the food, and stay for the... well, the food, since the perks are limited. But if the food trumps what's lacking, how could I not recommend it?

  • 2.0 star rating
    12/8/2010

    I ordered a chicken sandwhich to-go during lunch.
    The presentation wasn't exactly a sandwhich, and I had a mess & troubling time eating it.

    The ingredients actually tasted good, but for the price & presentation, I cannot give it more than 2 stars.

    I liked it enough to give it another try in the future, and I may revisit this review.

  • 4.0 star rating
    10/14/2012

    Food is great! I love that the menu is so simple so it's easy and fast to order. The customer service was also good the only downside to this would be the table set up. There isn't enough seating seeing that it does get crowded. Another thing, it's just too dark in there. Not welcoming. If my boyfriend hadn't recommended it, I probably would have never gone in.

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/2/2011

    Came here on the recommendation of a friend, and completely missed the entrance under the El line.

    From the outside, it's a small unassuming place but on the inside it's an explosion of delicious flavor and gritty decor. We loved the meatball sandwich and Korean BBQ plate with flatbread and kimchi.  The flavors were unique and fresh. The fries were another inspiration, served up with a spiced mayo.  Also tried the somen salad which was okay but bland in comparison to the hits on the menu.  Wouldn't order the somen salad again.  

    Know before you go: it's a BYOB so grab a few beers.

  • 3.0 star rating
    1/21/2012

    I will start by saying I live within a block of this BS, so I've had it many times since its opening.  The charm has diminished considerably ever since. Maybe three stars is harsh, but when I choose Arturo's Tacos over Belly Shack for dinner, it's not because their mexican food is amazing. I am willing to admit I am probably a little spoiled from having it at my door step, but I expected more new and surprising menu items to come along.  I can only eat an interesting take on a hot dog so many times and overall their food is much too salty. If they could shuffle up the menu and surprise me with some new goodies every so often, this place would be that much better.

  • 3.0 star rating
    4/6/2011

    My least favorite of Bill Kim's restaurants, none the less it's pretty cool. Same idea as Urban Belly-communal seating, you go up to order, the menu is specific and mixed Puerto Rican style with Korean style flavors.

    The food was a bit over salted for my taste, flavors were unique-ish, but somewhat over done.
    They're closed on Mondays-I think, or some random day and it threw me off on several occasions they might want to rethink this- it's a lot of the reason why I haven't gone back...

    It's BYOB which is cool, it's quick cuisine, but being a Korean I don't approve of the kal-bee sandwich, the marinade wasn't on... oh disappointment.

    Here's the thing, you might like it, you might really like it, don't not try because of this review. Be adventurous, go eat!

  • 4.0 star rating
    4/30/2010

    Latin and Asian Fusion...hmm?  Named the Belly Shack...more hmmm.  Since our Ukrainian Village friend swore by it and advised us on where to park, the choice became simple on this Saturday afternoon.    

    I set aside my healthy food options initiative and decided to just go for it, allowing myself to be engulfed by the multitude of meshed fusion options.

    Since I can never have enough flavor, I opted for the spicy and sour soup.  Wow!  What an innovative blend of traditional tortilla soup and egg drop soup.  Slivers of tortillas still slightly crisp at the bite, cilantro to give it that little bit of Mexican pizzazz and an egg drop infusion that brought out the Asian in me.  Yes, I'm salivating.

    Our two particular vices were:
    -The specialty thirst-quenching lemonade/Japanese fruit drink  
    -The tostones with chimichurri

    After this little excursion I have opted to call this place the Belly Shake as opposed to the Belly Shack!

  • 4.0 star rating
    12/5/2010

    The menu is small, but incredibly delicious and well done  There aren't a lot of items for strict vegetarians.  I had a tilapia open faced sandwich, that was messy and fabulous.  The clear star of the show was the meatball sandwich.  (which all of my any-kind-of-meat-eating co-diners decided was the best dish on the table)

    The restaurant is right off the blue line -- literally underneath the blue line which makes getting here super easy. I'll definitely be back.

  • 3.0 star rating
    7/11/2011

    This is my first time there, always drove by but actually stepped in this time. The decor inside is really cool, even with the darker background, somehow this small space doesn't seem so small, I especially liked the light fixture, which I believe is made out of parts of the construction crane? It's a self-serve kinda deal, you buy your food at the counter and get a number, and they bring your food up to you. And I think it's also BYOB, didn't really look into it, as we didn't really plan to come here, but saw some people with an opened bottle of wine, so.

    Now, the food, I had the brown rice bowl with marinated beef, kimchi and some vegi, it kind of reminds me of the traditional Korean Bimbimbab, the meat is really well seasoned and tender, kimchi is ok, I've had better and I like that it's brown rice. My husband had the Korean BBQ beef sandwich, which is served in pita bread, altho I don't see pita bread in either Koren or Puerto Rican cusine, my husband seemed to like it. Overall the food is pretty decent.

    What makes my rating at 3 star is really the bank for my buck, which is lacking. all their entrees are $9, it doesn't seem that bad, but the portion of the food is just small for $9! Mind you I'm not a big dude, I'm 5ft 2 and weight 120lb. So when I say the portion is small, it's small. I ate at around 7:30 and by 9pm, I'm hungry again. LOL. So I don't think I'd go back, the concept is cool, decor is nice and food tasted decent. But I wouldn't pay $9 again for a 1/2 bowl of rice with some beef/veggie on it.

  • 5.0 star rating
    8/29/2012

    This place is great! I got off the train at Western and went in there because I was hungry and it was across the street. I had no idea what to expect food-wise, but inside smelled great, the ambiance was casual and comfortable and the staff was very nice. I ordered the Asian Meatball sandwich (Amazing) and they told me it would be done in a few minutes. No problem. I stood and waited patiently by the counter and after a few minutes the owner came over to me and apologized for the wait. I told her it was no problem since they were making my food to order and then when they gave me my sandwich, they threw in a FREE ice cream for my "wait". I was shocked and extremely grateful. THAT'S customer service and will definitely make me a repeat customer.

  • 4.0 star rating
    3/10/2010

    BELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLY SHAAAAAAAAAAAAACK!!

    I wanted to get in a quick review while the memory of Belly Shack was still fresh. It was AWESOME! How awesome? CRAZY awesome! They've only got about 15 things on their menu, but that was enough to cause some extreme internal conflict in my head. I ended up getting the #1, Korean BBQ Kogi (beef bulgogi, a side of shredded kimchi, and some warm pita bread cut into quarters). HOLY BULGOGI! I think I found my new favorite sandwich! It was just too delicious! It kinda makes you want to forget about dieting and calories and just stuff your face with this sweet/savory/spicy, assemble-it-yourself sandwich all day.

    We also got the Hot and Sour soup which is completely unlike any hot and sour soup I've ever had. It was more like a chicken pozole (which I love). Hominy swimming  blissfully next to crispity crunchies made of tortilla. They were all friends with bean sprouts and chili powder, as well. Mmm ... fantastic.

    I like the no fuss, "order at the register, here's your number, we'll bring you your food when it's ready" lay out. The food, although excellent, isn't as cheap. The prices don't really reflect the "shack" in Belly Shack, but that's what you get when you start fusing foods! (Fact: add "Fusion" to any menu and  the prices go up by 25%). The food is totally worth it, though.

  • 5.0 star rating
    1/25/2010

    I'm a fan of this wonderful gem tucked under the western blue line stop. I've been  here twice and had a good experience both times.  The same girl has been at the counter both times I went and is really friendly & patient when taking orders, even when there are people behind waiting.

    I've tried the Kogi and Boricua sammies and am a little torn in trying to pick which one I like most. The Kogi is beef, in a korean marinade and the boricua is a tofu sandwich between two fried platains. The last time I was there my friend ordered the yellow river rice as a side, which tasted like rice with coconut milk and veggies. I think it's good if you're craving rice. But I probably wouldn't order it with a sandwich next time.. They carry Izze sodas, which is a plus for me!

    The atmosphere is relaxed and urban chic. byob and girl that brings out the food is really personable as well.  Belly shack is definitely one of my favorites, good food, relaxed atomosphere, and byob!

  • 3.0 star rating
    11/6/2010

    A buddy of mine and I stopped here Saturday afternoon for an early lunch and were left with "meh" attitude afterwards.

    It was good, but we didn't leave with the "OMG! this-is-the-best-shit-ever" attitude.  I ordered the Korean BBQ Kogi which came with Kimchi and flatbread and my buddy ordered the Belly Dog which was dressed with ramen noodles and kimchi with togarashi fries and curry mayo on the side.  

    The Kalbi was great, but nothing outstanding.  The Belly Dog was a disappointment because they used a regular hotdog and dressed it up asian/latin style.  We both presumed it was a sausage made in-house.

    The real winner were the Tostones which were dressed with a chimichurri.

    I would go back and try the Asian Meatball Sandwich and get some more tostones.

  • 5.0 star rating
    4/16/2011 Updated review

    Run, don't walk to Belly Shack.

    Easily one of the best, if not the best, fast casual restaurant in Chicago.

    If you are looking for 4 star food in a 10 minute turnaround, then Belly Shack is the best their is.

    If you want to get a sandwich with "sauce on the side" or modify the chefs selections, then go elsewhere.

    For $9 you can't beat this quality meal anywhere.

    5.0 star rating
    3/17/2011 Previous review
    Awesome. The new wave of dining.

    Exceptionally clean and fresh space, cool vibe and solid food.

    Small…
    Read more
  • 4.0 star rating
    11/3/2010 Updated review
    1 check-in

    So glad I gave you another chance after who knows how long...

    I got the basic Korean beef sandwich and it was not super salty this time! WOT! It was so good but I had to lock myself in a room to eat it at work because it made the whole Spa smell like kimchi =/

    I also got the brussel sprouts and chorizo would was good, an acquired taste for sure.

    3.0 star rating
    11/4/2009 Previous review
    Korean and Puerto Rican food?! Really?! I found myself here a few weeks after I was told about it. I… Read more
  • 4.0 star rating
    5/16/2012

    Cheap amazing Latin Korean fusion with a funky vibe done right!

  • 5.0 star rating
    4/5/2011

    Mmmmm. Food.

    That is what this place is...a place for food. Sure, the menu is small, but the items are so good in their own right, Belly Shack does not need a big menu. We went early in the day for lunch on a Saturday so we didn't experience the crowds others did.

    I liked the food more than Urban Belly (their noodle shop on the North side) but it's not to say Urban Belly wasn't awesome.

    Lady at the register was very knowledgeable about what they offered and they are pretty strict about making substitutions. That being said, they are very good at labeling what is in their dishes and a good portion are available with choice proteins, so you can have your chicken or beef instead of tofu.

    I had the Boricua sandwich which was tofu on plantains and it was very delicious. It came with a red sauce but I preferred it without. Fiancée had the Organic Brown Rice with beef and it was amazingly flavorful. The ingredients were so clean and fresh that you can distinguish the different items in it.

    Also, I highly recommend the spiced fries! We shared a basket but I think I'd want my own next time!

  • 4.0 star rating
    1/9/2012

    Delicious. Their bulgogi is ABSOLUTELY amazing, but it has NOTHING on their CURRY FRIES!!!  And you should definitely finish your meal with their vietnamese caramel ice cream.  But for you bacon lovers, they DO have ice cream with bacon and chocolate.

  • 5.0 star rating
    4/4/2010

    I've been dying to go here since they first opened.  I love Urban Belly so I wasn't anything but great at Belly Schack.  I honestly thought that the wait would be crazy on a Saturday afternoon, but to my surprise there was no wait.  My friend and I went at about 1:30pm and there was plenty of seating and no line.

    I had heard such great things about the meatball sandwich so I had to have it.  The pork meatballs are so incredibly flavorful and the noodles remind me of traditional vietnamese Bun.  Both served in a soft roll - what was hard not to love?  At first I thought that it would be a mess to eat, but that roll serves as a pocket and to my surprise no mess or spillage.  Two thumbs up.

    I also ordered a side of the Tostones (fried plantains with chimichurri sauce) and I had just about died and gone to heaven.  Both were so delicious that it warrants another trip to try another tasty sandwich in the not so distant future.

  • 4.0 star rating
    9/11/2012

    The Vietnamese Cinnamon soft-serve ice cream with luscious ribbons of caramel is why I come here. It's pure goodness, as are the tostones and fries. The three dishes above, in combination, make for a delightfully irresponsible dinner. Sometimes I wish the vegetable entrees had more oomph than a bit of grain, a mush of tofu and a smattering of vegetables, but most everything I've tasted is delicious enough to keep me a regular. Don't skip the kimchi!

  • 2.0 star rating
    2/9/2010

    Oof.  Urban Belly... Belly  Shack.  Both names remind me of my beast within, yet both locations leave that beast neither satiated nor satisfied.  Was it the hype?  That could be a contributing factor... But in reality, I think it was the overall taste.  Perhaps the fusion didn't tickle my buds?  The portions are small and the food is pretty hit or miss in my humble opinion.

    Korean Kogi sandwich was ok, nothing to rave about.  Hot and sour soup was nothing like any other hot and sour soup I've had.  Now, I knew this was a fusion place so I was just looking for good soup.  That mission went un-accomplished.  I did, however, enjoy the french fries accompanied with a unique curry sauce.  Also those tostones?  Mmm-mmm good!

    Service was ok.  Prices not too hot and the food only so-so.  In all honesty, I'd only hit this place up if I was craving that wild curry sauce or couldn't find my way to a Cuban or Puerto Rican place to fill my tostones craving.

  • 3.0 star rating
    12/14/2009

    I'm not going to make this a funny sort of review.

    Food: Great. Korean beef sandwich. Yum.

    The place itself: Looks like a fast food carryout joint.

    Food gets 4.234 stars.

    Price of foodstuffs... a bit more than expected.

  • 3.0 star rating
    5/23/2010

    I had the Korean BBQ sandwich, which was pretty solid. Unfortunately, I feel this place has the same problem as its sister restaurant, Urban Belly:
    everything seems to cost 4 or 5 dollars more than it should.

  • 4.0 star rating
    3/8/2012
    1 check-in

    Asian pork meatball - satisfying sandwich  and recommended.

  • 3.0 star rating
    12/7/2010

    I would go back to Belly Shack if I were in a pinch and found myself super-hungry and stranded at the Western Blue Line stop. Given the realities of my life, however, the chances of that happening are approximately .05%. This place is just too average to give it precedence over the many other restaurants in the neighborhood that are actually really tasty.

    I do like the *idea* of Belly Shack--it's a cozy nook nestled underneath the train, the service is quick, and conceptually the food is unconventional and interesting. In practice, it's overpriced and a bit too greasy. I think I had the "Boricua" (one of the vegetarian options), which sounded great on the menu but was actually pretty dull. Belly Shack is ok, but if I had to describe it in one word I would choose "bland."

    (To be fair, I went here shortly after they opened--so maybe they hadn't really developed their menu yet.)

  • 4.0 star rating
    3/26/2010

    Belly Shack fills a void that I didn't know was empty.  Korean Latin fusion comfort food is what's cooking at this establishment and its serving things I couldn't imagine together.

    Don't be fooled by the limited offering; you will find something on the menu that you want.  Chef Bill Kim does a wonderful job of keeping menu short but diverse.  There are no filler items here.  Each item looked like a winner.  

    I went with the Belly Dog which is a grilled hot dog set on egg noodles and a toasted pita, topped with pickled green papaya.  My vegiance (vegetarian fiance) ordered the Boricua, an asian vegetarian take on the jibarito filled with black beans, tofu and brown rice.  We ordered a side of togarashi spiced fries and soft served ice cream for dessert (mine topped with bacon and chocolate chip, her's with huckleberry-lime).  

    The Dog: the hot dog had the nice charred taste that always makes me wonder why people would even consider eating a hot dog boiled.  The savory mixed with the sweet & sour of the pickled papaya really knocked my socks off.  The egg noodles didn't really do much for me.  They would have been a lot better they were fried until crispy and slightly burnt, like Singapore noodles.

    The Boricua: The plantain slices were thicker and softer than what you would normal see on a jibarito.  Eating it was a little messy but it was delicious.  The black bean is a nice touch though it would have been nice to be able to get a full bite of everything at once.  Our sammich was falling apart.

    The Fries:  ooooh, the fries.  Why have I not eaten anything like this before?  Its so simple, yet so perfect.  The fries were perfectly cooked (thin style, crispy outside, soft inside) and seasoned with Togarashi spice (the blended chili powder typically put into Japanese noodles or soups).  They were served with a curry dipping sauce which was absolutely amazing.  When the fries were done, I wanted to use my fingers.

    Soft serve: The soft serve was good.  The huckleberry lime was really good.  The bacon chocolate chip was a hit and a miss.  The chocolate chip cookie bits are provided by Mindy Segal (Hot Chocolate) and were great.  The bacon... SOMEONE PLEASE CORRECT ME IF I'M WRONG... was essential bacon bits.  As a bacon lover, I was really bummed out.

    The verdict: its a little too expensive to eat there every day but if I could, I would.  The menu is simple but daring and I can't think of any time where I wouldn't want at least one of its items.  Belly Shack has a perfect mix of friendly fast food service and fine dining food.  It has entered my list of go-to places when I don't know where to go.

  • 3.0 star rating
    1/16/2011

    there'd be another half star if the option was available

    Likes:
    1. Lots of flavor
    2. Under my train
    3. Relatively quick take out, perfect for post work walk home (note: I wouldn't go to eat here and byob it, if you want to that's cool, it's just not how I view this place)

    Dislikes:
    1. The side dishes - I mean, you're a sandwich shop, sandwiches and sides go together like a turkey sandwich and potato chips
    other than french fries, which are tasty/expensive with fat dip, I've never been intrigued
    In fact, wouldn't be great if there was just a simple steamed vegetable for $1.50 on the menu???
    I'd buy it and I'd bet it wouldn't terribly disturb the profit margin

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/24/2012
    1 check-in

    Great Korean fission food. As good as it gets. Not expensive and no line

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/22/2012

    Chef Bill Kim knows his food, for sure. The ingredients on the menu may not seem like they go together, but they do, and they do so wonderfully. It's a lively, fun atmosphere with a menu full of things you never knew you loved, but you do.

  • 5.0 star rating
    2/16/2012
    1 check-in

    So many reviews that it's not even worth it.  I might as well up my participation by saying that Belly Shack is really good.  Because it is.

  • 5.0 star rating
    11/23/2010

    This place is a party in your mouth.  SO GOOD.  Flavorful, inventive, different than anywhere else I've been in Chicago.  If you like spicy food, you must leave your computer now and go to Belly Shack.

    Kickin' it with my friend Katie on a Sunday afternoon, so we split the Korean BBQ (tender with kimchi on the side), Asian meatball on pita with noodles (watch out you'll be burping spicy goodness all day) and sides of the roasted brussle sprouts with chorizo and chips (I liked it, my friend thought it was weird) and tostones (only ok, but maybe I just don't like tostones that much).

    Only thing some people might not like is the price (maybe $10-20 per person) for a place where you order at the counter.  Atmosphere leaves a little something to be desired, but the place was filled with "cool kids" when we were there.  Belly Shack has done much better with the space than anyone (Vella Cafe) before.  Atleast there is music!

    Go. Go. Go.

  • 2.0 star rating
    10/31/2009

    If I'm going to pay $10 for a sandwich, make me the damn sandwich. Don't give me a couple of flatbread corners and two strange piles and let me do it myself. And if that IS what you're going to do, make sure that it's better than the DIY sandwiches I've got at home.  

    At least 4 people on staff were wearing a shirt proclaiming "I heart Lola's Lechon!"  A devout lechon lover, I asked the girl at the counter for a jibarito, hold the tofu (to which I am alergic) and give me the LECHON! Nope. No dice. They don't make lechon, they just wear it on their uniforms.

    For $26.46 I got the Korean Kogi, tostones and a very greasy tofu jibarito called the Boriqua. I do not feel I got my moneys worth in the slightest. No one at my table was impressed with their meal and we all agreed we wouldn't be back. As a matter of fact, the tostones were the only thing that got them that extra star.

    Other things that I didn't like: there's no waiting area so we were told to wait in the Green Eye. I brought beer, I didn't want to go get more at the bar. It is essentially a fast food joint with everything being do it yourself, from getting silverware to pouring waters. The only difference between this and your local burger shack is this place has a hostess and the tables get bussed.

    In short, I'll never be back and I won't be sending anyone I know their way either.

  • 4.0 star rating
    5/2/2011

    Combination of Korean, Latin n American style! Very cool and friendly environment. The first thing u see is the big heavy n stylish dinning table when u walking inside of this plc. Manu are vey simple, but enough for you to experience different flavor. my friends bf works in this plc, so we got free ice cream with 4 toppings. (yay!!) since I love mexican and Korean food, this plc works for me! Will come back soon!!! ^^

Belly Shack - 227 Photos - Latin American - Logan Square - Chicago, IL - Reviews - Menu - Yelp
 

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  • 5.0 star rating
    10/13/2010

    I like this place a lot!!!  That's why I refer people here all the time. Just an FYI guys...the people who work at the local coffee shop love this place! If you see me again soon (which you will), I'll tell you where they are located.  

    I will write more about this place when I have time, but there are two things that rock my world.

    1. Is the Belly Dog. It is a hot dog with " kimchi salsa and egg noodle". It is so unbelievably good. It also represents probably the best value on the menu as well, because I think it comes with their delicious fries. I can't the flavors...just eat it....stuff in your mouth....etc etc .

    2. The fries- The fries come in a pretty decent sized basket. The best part is the Japanese curry dipping sauce. Its really addicting.


    And you know what? F*ck it! I really love the service. Do you ever walk into a place and you feel like the service is so in your face that they want to rob you at gun point? Or you feel like they are going to ruin your day by acting like a total bizzach? You will not find that type of behavior here.

    The people are always smiley...but in a gentle kind of way. Not the annoying way where if you don't smile back their smile is never to be seen again.

    They make sure you get what you want, they are accurate, and you can tell that they are kind hearted people.

    I'll write more later. deuces!

  • 4.0 star rating
    1/26/2010
    1 check-in

    Korean/ Latin fusion? Seriously? MAN I love big city food possibilities!!

    I don't know if I'd eat here very often, one just because that much salt can't be good for you, and two because eating as much paper as I probably did with my boricua sandwich can't be good either. Tasty, though!

    Basically, picture a fast food joint with a whimsical, but well executed fusion of flavours -- think the saltier spice of Asian foods (the AMAZING seasoned fries, that magic bibimbap sauce) playing nice with the sweeter savoury ingredients of Latin food (fried plantains, squash, etc). Yum.

    The space itself, much like the food, represents a wacky combination of aesthetics -- futuristic/trendy meets post-apocalyptic halfway in between at a taco-shack. A bit overpriced for fast-food style food, but I'll happily pay for the novelty once in a while -- and I guess the style makes sense given the neighbourhood. And conveniently, right off the L!

  • 4.0 star rating
    2/25/2011

    Good food, good price and casual atmosphere.

    We tried the Korean BBQ Beef and Asian Pork Meatball Sandwich.  I'm pretty much a fan of any place that serves bulgogi so I was sold as soon as I saw the menu.  Order at the counter, and your food is brought to you pretty quickly.

    We also were a little adventurous and tried the Bacon Chocolate Chip soft serve.  Not sure if it were the weird flavors that threw me off or the fact that I paid 4 bucks for vanilla soft serve with bac~os on top... not impressed.

    Either way, the main courses were great and I'll definitely be back for more!

  • 5.0 star rating
    11/20/2010

    My original reason for going in was to have a Soft serve with bacon and chocolate chip cookies. Once I looked at the menu we decided to try the kimchi which was different. I am not a huge fan of cabbage but it was good.
    Looking at the menu I knew that I needed to order tostones. And here is the one word I can think of Amazing! The tostones were the best I have ever had in my life.

    I am a huge lover of fries so I had to order the Togarashi fries and they did not disappoint by any means.

    Once it came time for the dessert I was already in heaven so now i have this ice cream and bacon and chocolate chip cookie piece of art in front of me and oooooohhhhhhh it tasted so good. I still think about it all the time!

  • 3.0 star rating
    11/6/2009

    ***Matt L. stole my review!****I reviewed this place first!***
    **Then Matt L's review got flagged! LMFAO*****

    [Please note my review is really 3.5 stars, not 3]

    I have been wanting to check this place out ever since it took over Vella Cafe. Oh Vella--how I miss thee. Anyway, this isn't about Vella this is about Belly Shack after all!

    Walking in you don't know whether to be overwhelmed by the crazy music [they went from "Somebody call 911..." to a slow R.Kelly song], confused about the decor [really mixed/matched] or shocked about the prices [we only got two sandwiches & two desserts for $32!]

    The food was a-ok at best. My friend got the meatball sandwich, while I ordered the Korean BBQ. I'm really not sure on the whole mix of PR and Korean food--there wasn't really much PR in anything I ate. My sandwich had thinly sliced bbq beef, cabbage, onions & I think zucchini. His sandwich had giant meatballs in it with cold rice noodles--so that's fusion cuisine these days? Mmm, weird.

    So then on to dessert, which in my opinion why I'm giving them 3.5 stars. The huckleberry-lime soft serve was fantastic, which is strange for me to say because I'm really not that big into sweets. It had nice caramelized berries, with hints of mint. While my friend got the blonde brownie--he seemed to like mine much more.

    So all in all, I'd don't know if I will be back again. I just wish it was a little bit cheaper & a little bit more flavorful. Oh well, you win some & you lose some.

  • 2.0 star rating
    11/23/2009

    Certainly would not consider this "latin fusion" in the least. i thought i would be getting more of a wow factor. Food, at best was mediocre. The service was not as good as I would expect for a new place, and the cashier seemed to of been a little bit distracted at the time because while we were ordering, she kept looking at her watch. Than when we sat down it turned out she was leaving, so she seemed to of not been interested that we were new and needed guidance. I just thought if the staff is that way, then what else is there.
    I had the sammich and it was not at all that great. They messed up our order and although we paid for another item them gave us another. I was already not feeling the vibe so I said, "this is fine just leave it". I would definately not go back and many have asked how did I like it, and I let them know since I am one of the critics in another site. But for effort, they did try, but I can't say that I would HIGHLY recommend them since they can't pull of the fusion part in the last.
    And for the record, the PR tostones, were just a bit too salty.

  • 3.0 star rating
    10/3/2010

    The food is good, but the soft serve is a.mazing.
    I for one am partial to the key lime and it tastes like they add a leetle bit of salt, so it's got that sweet n'salty thing going on.  And the caramel one is really good too.

    Also, there's plenty o' parking and it's BYOB.

    Solid place for a quick/nice dinner and delicious dessert :)

  • 4.0 star rating
    1/18/2010

    Awesome Latin/Korean fusion food, served pseudo-fast food style.

    Two apps, two sandwiches, and two drinks run almost $30, which (as evidenced by a lot of the more negative reviews) was a bit of sticker shock. "A fast food place just cost me $30?!" Well hold on, people. Belly Shack's food could easily be nicely plated, served table-service in a slick restaurant, and cost 20-30% more, as fusion cuisine often is.

    I think it's pretty cool that the Belly Shack owners have rejected that trend, though, and made cool, creative cuisine unpretentious, quick, and accessible.

    The Korean BBQ sammich was great, as was the boricua tofu sammich -- both exploding with unexpected, savory, delicious flavor. Rounding out the meal was the squash with pho spices (cool!) and the absolutely phenomenal fries, dusted with a Korean spice powder and dipped in curry mayo.

    Would fill my belly here again.

  • 4.0 star rating
    12/20/2009

    Wow my belly is full of interesting and complex flavors after my pilgrimage to bill kims latest spot. I don't know too many chefs out there that can make you ponder how each bite was constructed yet be so compelled to keep going until there's nothing left. The menu only has a few options but I don't think that's a detractor. Having only ordered the meatball sandwich and the lemongrass chicken (there were two of us), I would be tempted to return to explore. The table next to us appeared to be well seasoned and ordered a handful of sides with the lone soup on the menu. Not a bad playcall. As for what I tasted, the lemongrass chicken was not your typical Asian offering. I wish I knew everything I was eating but some mysteries are best left unsolved. Needless to say I loved it and didn't share well. It came with two large pieces of bread that i probably was supposed to use to make a sandwich but didnt.  Also included was a small side of cabbage with a vinegar based dressing.  This was useful for cooling off the mouth as there was a nice helping of spice. My partner in crime went for the meatball sandwich that at first look reminded me of a falafill pita. It was served pita style stuffed with meatballs and cold noodles seasoned with magic. One bite of the noodle meatball bread concoction and I was hooked.

    If you haven't heard the decor is as unique as the food. An open, warehouse feel with stools, communal tables and a grey steel feeling. Check out the bathroom, I thought I walked into a SAW movie. It all works together though to enhance the overall concept.

    Lastly, since you order at the front counter and wait for your food at your seat, the initial bill surprised me. However, after eating the meal you realize you have a full belly of unique tasting delicious food. The bill seems appropriate and justified. I recommend checking out Belly Shack, even if it requires a pilgrimage.

  • 4.0 star rating
    8/20/2012

    Went for dinner on a Sunday night, pretty decent crowd but not too bad. Very knowledgeable and helpful staff.

    I got the special which was an Asian style Italian beef sandwich on a ciabatta bun with homemade giardiniera. A little greasy but overall very good sandwich. Also got the Togarashi Spiced Fries which were delicious.

    Finished the meal with Vietnamese Cinnamon Carmel ice cream, bomb diggity delicious.

    I agree with most people commenting on the smaller portions for how much you're paying. But if you know that going into it and are interested in having a pretty uniquely delicious meal, you'll enjoy yourself. I'll be back. Next payday

  • 5.0 star rating
    11/5/2010 Updated review

    I absolutely love this place.  It's a perfect blend of two of my most favorite foods in the world (Korean and Puerto Rican).  I'm part Puerto Rican and those tostones are to die for...very addictive and better than my abuela's....sorry abuela (grandmother in spanish).

    Get the korean beef sandwich and you'll be more than satisfied.  My 6 year old son gobbles it right up and we both are not big meat eaters.  last time we were there my son was eye balling my plate to see if I had any left overs for him.

    4.0 star rating
    9/30/2010 Previous review
    I really love the food at Belly Shack. I'm Puerto Rican and love Korean food. I never imagined these… Read more
  • 5.0 star rating
    3/22/2010

    I've been drooling over their menu for some time, so I was very excited to finally check Belly Shack out.  And I was not disappointed!  (In fact, I'm almost drooling now, recounting the glorious tidbits I sampled.)  

    Atmosphere is kinda cheesy but fun; informal, urban pseudo-fast-foody, though the prices & (fortunately) food quality are about as far from fast food as you can get.

    I had the Lemongrass Chicken Sammitch, which was seasoned beautifully and bursting with amazing flavor.  The Chimichurri Tostones were out-of-this-world, and not overly greasy (which is always a plus in my health-conscious book!)  I also had a taste of my friend's brussels sprouts with chorizo, which were fantastic --the funky cabbage-ness that sometimes underlies my beloved (but for many people, dealbreaker) brussels was entirely absent! Just rich, spicy goodness.

    For dessert, I tried the Bacon Chocolate Chip soft serv.  At first, my hopes fell when I realized it was just plain vanilla with toppings, but it might have been the best soft serv I've ever had.  Light, fresh, not overly cloying like many artificial vanillas, and with a hint of something citrusy.  And the toppings themselves--which were like breaded cookie chunks with chocolate chips, graham crackers, and bacon bits...splendid!  

    Everyone at our table went home full and happy--it was one of those rare near-perfect dining experiences.

    I can't wait to go back and try everything I didn't get to this time.

    Additionally, service- for a glorified fast food place- was really inviting & accommodating-- we were a group of 7 & they took alot of initiative to help us set up tables and be comfortable.

    Really, the location (i.e., difficult to reach w/o a car from the N. side) is the only complaint my innate critic can come up with :)

  • 3.0 star rating
    4/9/2011

    Overall I thought this was a pretty cool spot, and definitely I'll be back soon. I dig the artwork and everyone who was working was super-duper friendly.

    So the brussel spouts w/ chorizo and masa were spectacular! Perfectly seasoned, just the right amount of fat from the sausage... definitely a must have. The belly dog was texturally speaking that is, but it is just a hot dog.

    Now for the bummer, the meatball sandwich. I'm not sure if the standard operating procedure is too slap a few meatballs on an untoasted roll, top it with cold noodles (dressed in what tasted like grenadine and sambal) and and sprinkle some bean sprouts around for good measure. If it is, they failed hard but the meatballs themselves were very tasty.

    B.Y.O. with a liquor store right around the corner is pretty rad.

  • 4.0 star rating
    5/7/2012
    1 check-in

    We showed up 3 minutes before close. I thought they were going to deny us or rush us to get out but they did neither which I appreciated.

    The kimchi tacos were tasty but they could have used some heat. It didn't have any which was disappointing.

  • 3.0 star rating
    11/29/2009
    Listed in Vegan Chicago!

    Two sandwiches, an appetizer and tip for $30.

    The counter service was efficient and the girls were totally cute. The restaurant itself reminded me of a few nameless places I ate at in NY last summer. The food is good, but doesn't match the price.

    The bf and I both had the Boricua (the only vegan/veggie entree) and shared the Tostones. The sandwich was really interesting, but not something I really want to eat again. At first the flavors were omg, but it left a bitter aftertaste and I got bored after a few bites. The tostones, however, were amazing and totally worth $5.

    We decided we will go back to pick up some deep fried plantain deliciousness if we're ever in the neighborhood, and I would definitely go back if they added another vegan option to the menu. Despite the high expectations, I can't give Belly Shack more than three stars.

  • 3.0 star rating
    8/4/2010

    3.5 stars for Mr Kim's latest place. It is surprising to see it right under the train stop, but it's convenient. The decor is very industrial, the chairs are metal, the lighting is warehouse/high traffic lights, and the artwork is rough. For the decor sake, the food fits...the menu is simple: sandwiches, sides, and soft serve. We had the meatball, lemongrass chicken and tilapia sammies. The winner here was the meatball, which were meatballs with hot sauce on top of noodles...in a bun. Very tasty, and the lemongrass chicken came in at a close second, the spices were nice and the chicken was juicy. A side of spicy cabbage came with the chicken.

    We also got absolut-fabu watermelon salad, which was watermelon, arugula and basil seeds. The seeds didn't really do much, but the light dressing with the fruit/veggies just made a really great flavor and texture choice. Really liked that one, but it was on the specials menu, so not sure if it will be there again. We also got the togarishi (sp?) fries and sweet potatoes. The fries are addictive with the curry mayo, and complemented all three of our sammies. The sweet potato we could have passed, they were just enh.

    For dessert, we had the bacon choco chip and caramel cinnamon. On the menu it said the toppings were from Mindy Segal, so that was a plus! Both of the soft serves were great! The bacon choco chip is exactly what you would think it would taste like, but the bacon flavor kicks in at the end.  The caramel cinnamon reminds me of a cold solid horchata, and don't let that cinnamon fool you, it's strong stuff.

    The food was solid, and the service, although it's a "fast food" atmosphere, the servers poured water and took trays away. I think the only thing that bothered me was that everything was spiced...not much respite for the spice weary. There were some bites where a water break was needed.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/12/2012

    I mean stay for the food which is pretty excellent and all with a unique and authentic take on traditional korean dishes with a healthy dose of fusion... but really its all about attacking the neighborhood plum tree afterward with a hatchet for free desert.

  • 5.0 star rating
    10/26/2009

    Belly Shack is so good and I went twice this weekend, that should show people that if its worth going back in the same weekend, that it's good.  On the first visit we tried two sandwiches the Asian Meatball and the Kogi Beef.  We also had the hot and sour soups.

    I love the place!  The sandwiches were fresh and the hot and sour soup was tasty and different from your traditional hot and sour.  The garnish was a mix of sprouts, tortilla strips and some sricha sauce to add just the right kick.  The soup was filled with chunks of chicken.

    On the second visit, we decided to go more the route of trying some of the uniquely sounding sides.  Again we went for the hot and sour soup (Yes its that good)  and tried out tostones with chimichurri, kimchi and brussel sprouts with chorizo.  I found the flavor combinations in all of the sides to be great.

    I can see me frequenting Belly Shack pretty often, especially for the Hot and Sour Soup.  It's very unique and tasty!  Price is about $20 for two people.

  • 3.0 star rating
    1/30/2010

    3.5*

    I appreciate the fact that it's a creative menu with unique offerings that you can order "fast food style." Order, pay first, sit down and no tip! Anyway, I wouldn't say anything was scrumptiously to die for but it's fun and something different.

    Spiced fries with curry mayo: The fries themselves were forgettable but the accompanying sauce was tasty! Full garlic flavor that scared off any vamps waiting for me at the opera.

    Roasted squash: yum yum, I was afraid that it'd be overly sweet with the maple syrup but turned out just fine. Cubes of sweet potato in the center of a piece of squash.

    Sweet and sour soup: eh this was weird. I know it's all part of the fusion part but huge strips of tortilla chips with hominy in vinegary egg drop soup didn't satisfy my palate. At least the dark chicken meat was tasty.

    Tilapia sammich: yuuum. They do their creamy sauces well here and the tilapia was tender and juicy. The bread is more on the chewier side, too.

    Fun and quick alternative. Perhaps it was the massive amount of starch I got (and consumed prior to dinner, too) but $13 filled me up pretty well.

  • 4.0 star rating
    10/23/2010

    I like the idea of fast AND good food.  Unique concept, menu, and environment.  Plus this thing...

    chicagoist.com/2010/10/1…

  • 3.0 star rating
    3/27/2011

    Ok, this is as good a place as any to review after a year away from Yelp. The first thing is, it's very interesting--like you feel like you're seeing the future of fast food, this kind of sit-down-counter-service/table service hybrid all made by a talented chef. And I, for one, think the fusion concept basically works--clearly the world is now ready for Asian/Latino fusion food, and here they do it pretty well. The brussels sprouts are really, really good. The soft-serve ice cream is, at the end of the day, still soft-serve ice cream, but the toppings are delicious, and the whole menu is some pretty daring stuff that's fairly affordable.

    On the other hand, everything is really shockingly salty. And oily. Not unlike at its sister restaurant Urban Belly, the chef seems to have this idea in his head of what Asian food -needs- to taste like, and it seems to involve overwhelming amounts of soy sauce and sesame oil--no matter how genuinely interesting everything is here, it all kind of tastes the same on some basic level. Which is really a crying shame, because this feels like it could be one the more innovative places in Chicago, but right now it's kind of, "how do we make some of the world's most renowned cuisines taste like soy sauce and sesame oil?"

  • 4.0 star rating
    10/22/2009

    Belly Shack--what's up with that crazy font you use on your restaurant exterior? The high-contrast black and white sure do make you stand out in the shadow of the El tracks, which was maybe the point, but that font is just offensive, like it's from the 90's nostalgia movie, "The Wackness." Which was also maybe the point.

    Anyway! That is not really a complaint. I enjoyed the food a lot. We ate the "boricua," which was some tofu and greens spliced between two planks of fried plantains--a nutty, slightly sweet dinner delight that lights up with the sesame-oil/chili paste dipping sauce. Honestly, it seemed less boriquien and more Chinese, but that's just me.

    I got the blackened tilapia, which was served with a hot mustard dressing and topped with some watercress-like greens. The fish was extremely tender and mouthwatering. I am still thinking about you, tilapia!

    For sides we got the tostones and the squash. Why didn't anyone think to put chimichurri on tostones before Belly Shack? I don't know, but its a good idea--the acidity and freshness of the parsley + lemon cuts through the fried and savory tostones. The squash was a little too sweet on its own, but was good with everything else.

    I am very delighted this place exists. The prices are decent enough to go there relatively often, and I look forward to trying the other stuff on the menu.

  • 2.0 star rating
    10/28/2009

    While Belly Shack wasn't bad, the food wasn't anything I'd be craving soon. Maybe I should have tried the bacon topped ice cream or the tostones that people have been raving about. The sandwiches were ok. The kogi sandwich is basically Korean bulgogi and kimchi served along with some thick a$$ pita bread. I can easily make it at home for a fraction of the price. However, the hot and sour soup was tasty. I liked the combination of bean sprouts and tortilla strips.

    Bill Kim was there bringing out soup to the tables. He's so nice and humble that I wish I could give Belly Shack more stars. Maybe I'll come back and try something different, but honestly I'd rather eat at Urban Belly.

  • 3.0 star rating
    11/8/2009

    Mixed feelings about this place. My sammich was good. I had the Boricua and an Izze. The sammich was tasty, but needs to come with side plates and a poncho. No way it can be eaten like a sandwich. It's very messy. I ended up going at it with my fork.

    I think the prices are off. My sammich and drink, with a tip, hit fifteen bucks. And the sammich doesn't come with any sides.

    One other off-putting thing is that I sat by myself between two couples. Someone came out and gave both couples a dessert compliments of the chef. Seems they were trying out some new concoctions. Apparently, being single makes you a leper and unworthy of free dessert.

  • 3.0 star rating
    11/9/2009

    I was in the area with a friend for a concert on a Friday night, and we decided to check it out. I ordered the Asian Meatballs, which came with cold rice inside a pita thing. The meatballs had a great flavor, and I liked the combination with the noodles. The pita, however, was flavorless. I wanted it to compliment the noodles and the meatballs, but it let me down. Empty contribution to a very expensive "Sammich." It's lame that the sandwich doesn't come with anything. That said, I think it needed something a little extra. I probably won't go back.

  • 3.0 star rating
    8/4/2010

    Very good food but I'm not thrilled about the prices. I've eaten here twice- a Saturday night and Sunday afternoon (about 6 months apart from each other). The Saturday visit was really overwhelming. There was a very long wait and people were taking their sweet ass time to leave. And it was cold as shit so we had nowhere to go. I ate the BBQ sandwich ($10), a side of greens and chorizo ($5) and a Coke ($2). I had a casual meal for $20. Not cool. The side's for $5 thing seems particularly outrageous once you see how small they are. I'm thinking everything on their menu could knock off about $2.

    Last time I came was specially for the Belly Dog and Togarashi fries. Holy balls the fries were amazing. I ate them all, even when I ceased to be hungry. I am all that's wrong with America. The dog was great, though super messy. It's served on a pita which of course broke. I would not suggest ordering this on a date. You'll look disgusting eating this.

    Overall good food but more than I'd like to spend for a meal consisting of a sandwich, side and drink.

  • 5.0 star rating
    10/22/2009

    Belly Shack is great! I wasn't extremely keen on Urban Belly, but Belly Shack is like its younger, hipper cousin. The space is wide and unfinished, with art studio tables and chairs, black and white graffiti'd walls and a fairly young staff. Oh, and BYOB - very key. And they bring you teeny little glasses from which to sip (or shoot) your beer. The menu is short and simple, with a small handful vegetarian/vegan items clearly indicated...an improvement from the relatively veg-unfriendly Urban Belly.

    I had a jibarito-type sandwich stuffed with brown rice, tofu and greens of more distinctly Asian flavors. Sesame, sriracha. Very saucy, very delicious. It was a simple but extremely flavorful fusion. For a side, I had the roasted squash with pho spices. It was served cubed, in a carved-out mini pumpkin, spiced with anise and clove...phenomenal!

    At about $10 a sandwich and $5 per side...and another $5 to split a 6-pack of byobeer from the liquor store next door...Belly Shack comes out to be about a $20 eat-and-drink experience...which is totally doable any night of the week.

  • 4.0 star rating
    3/4/2012 Updated review

    Just visited Belly Shack again (it had been awhile), and their soft serve with the caramel is still divine. Also, the sauces available for purchase give sriracha a run for their money!

    4.0 star rating
    9/28/2010 Previous review
    Love their sandwiches and how they fuse Korean and Latin flavors and concepts. However, my favorite… Read more
    4.0 star rating
    9/12/2010 Previous review
    Love the sandwiches. My favorite though, is the soft serve!
  • 4.0 star rating
    12/28/2010

    Flavor, big flavor... that's what comes to mind when I think of Belly Shack.

    Love the Hot & Sour soup.... with it's tortilla strips, peanuty broth, bean sprouts, chicken.  Such a symphony of flavor in my mouth.  It's my most favorite soup in this city right now.

    Tostones... YUM.  The chimicurri is right on.  Garlicky, spicy, and the tostones just right.

    The sandwiches-- I'm sort of the boring chicken person, but the Lemongrass chicken was always awesome.  Now there's a Boricua plantain sandwich which I ordered with chicken..... annoyingly messy, but the flavor was sooooo delish in the end it was worth it.

    Pros:  Cool cheap date place, BYOB, getting there is easy, parking is always easy.

    Cons:  sometimes I wish the menu was bigger.  I am sad they got rid of the lemongrass chicken sandwich.  Sometimes it's hard to justify a $15 lunch for soup and a sandwich.... but really their food is unique, tasty, and keeps me coming back.

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/24/2012

    #5. Boricuasammich with chicken. Excellent. Maybe one of the best sammiches ever. Got my hands on some fries. Excellent. Thought I needed ice cream. Got it. Huckleberry lime? My sammy made me sweat a bit so the ice cream was the perfect kicker here. Excellent. Top notch quality. Love this place. My buddy got their Sunday special Asian BBQ sausage sammy on ciabatta. Waited til he went to get more to drink and snagged that lil baby. So awesome. I was jealous until I remembered mine was equally as good. Awesome food! Get here.

  • 3.0 star rating
    6/21/2010

    The food was good, the prices were high.

    When I asked my fiance what his favorite part about the meal was, he pointed at the basket of seasoned, crispy, thin-cut fries, and I agreed. The sandwiches were okay, but I was kind of disappointed, mostly because of the high price point.

    I do like the interior more than Urban Belly, though the big communal table in the middle was empty while all the smaller tables around the perimeter were full. I get that they want to encourage communal eating, but listen to what your customers want!

    I had the bulgogi sandwich (pretty good, but the flavors were pretty ordinary and nothing stood out), the chicken lemongrass sandwich (this was underwhelming with smallish chunks of chicken that contained quite a few pieces of gristle). The seasoned fries with the curry dipping sauce were really good, though, and you do get a lot of them. We also shared a yuzu lemonade that was perfect to share and very tasty.

    I might stop in again if I'm in the area, but I'm not in a hurry to spend my money here when I can get a great sandwich for a lot less in many other spots around the area. Lower those prices, and I'll be back.

  • 5.0 star rating
    8/8/2010

    Went on a Sunday evening around dinner time, the restaurant wasn't very busy and Chef Kim was there behind the counter making sure everything was running smoothly.

    I ordered the Kogi BBQ sandwich, Togarishi Fries, and the Wife ordered the Lemongrass Chicken sandwich. Mine were insanely delicious. The beef with the kimchee was perfect, I especially liked that you got everything separately and put the sandwich together yourself. The Lemongrass we could've taken or left. It was good, just not nearly as good as the Kogi.

    The fries were bananas, and the sauce that came with them was amazing. To top things off for a finish, we got the Bacon Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, and it was amazing. Perfect finish to the meal.

    People are complaining about the prices, but what do you expect from a Chef driven concept....Do you eat at Mcdonald's all the time??

  • 5.0 star rating
    11/25/2009

    BEST lunch of my LIFE!  i kid you not, i have been having some great eats lately!!  tis the season!  So convenient to get to, no crowd today at noon, quick service, casual, hip atmosphere and reasonable prices for the tastiness and satisfaction you get.

    I had the Korean BBQ sammie...this was a 5 star sammie peeps!  Such wonderfully flavorful meat, delish kimchee, served w/the soft pita triangles makes it easy to eat and fun!  I will order this probably every time I return to Belly Shack.

    Also had the Asian Meatball sammie...this one is adventurous, so if you're not into trying new things, don't get this, and in fact - don't go to Belly Shack!  This place is for food lovers who enjoy different spices, textures and surprises in their dishes.  Looked like a calzone stuffed with cold noodles, bean sprouts (YUMS) and 4 big, great tasting meatballs.  VERY hard to eat/manage...could be served in something easy like perhaps the pita triangles aforementioned.  But tasty and different so I enjoyed it immensely.  This is a 4 star sammie for me and I would suggest it to others and eat it again, but never pick it over the BBQ sammie.

    Tostones...such a different and unexpected flavor, hard to describe.  The more I ate, the more I liked it and the lemony/herb flavor really works w/the sweetness of the plaintains.  Would def order this probably every time I go back. Great complement to the sammies.

    Blondie brownie soft serve ice cream:  O M G...I can't believe the goodness that passed my lips!  Where do they get the milk/cream for this yogurt - is it drizzled down from clouds in heaven?!?!?  It is THAT good people...save room and order ice cream, you won't regret it!

    Belly Shack, I love everything about you, and I will lunch here regularly.  Thanks Bill Kim for introducing me to new, unexpected, fun and fantastic flavors in Asian food!!

  • 3.0 star rating
    11/28/2009

    What do you want first, the good or the bad?

    OK, the bad, then:
    - a bit pricey for what you actually get
    - generally speaking, the food is a touch on the salty side (and the service is sometimes, too)
    - music and decor makes me feel like I'm the sort of nightclub I would never patronize (i.e. trendy urban wannabe)
    - too "concept-y" (or at least, that's the best way I can think to describe it)

    Let me elaborate on this last one. The (small) menu seems to (gently) force the multi-cultural aspect of the food down your throat. Don't get me wrong, I love diversity (in food and people), but for some reason, it feels kind of like a TV ad that shows one person from every major ethnic group (each attractive, but not overly so) all sitting around a table, laughing and enjoying each other's company. That is to say, the menu seems more to me like it's based on the "concept" of being inclusive, rather than a natural mix of different cuisines.

    The soft serve dessert "concept" also bothers me. I tried the chocolate bacon, which was pretty tasty, but it wasn't as good as I wanted it to be. Also, the fact that the only desserts they offer are frozen soft serve (albeit with toppings) seems ridiculous to me in a city with as many winter months as Chicago. I don't claim to abstain from frozen desserts in the winter, but I would at least like a warm (or un-cold) option.

    OK, enough of the bad, now the good:
    - the food IS tasty (despite the high sodium content)
    I haven't tried everything on the menu, but one particular standout was the Boricua sandwich (plantains with tofu, black beans, brown rice, and some sort of Moo Shu-tasting red sauce)
    - the food is also creative; I don't think I've been to another restaurant offering brussel sprouts and chorizo, which is a really good combination.
    - BYOB is always a plus

    Let me close with one last disclaimer: I may still be holding a small resentment that Vella is no longer in this space, as breakfast/brunch is the superlative meal of the day.

  • 3.0 star rating
    10/25/2010

    I can't decide whether I liked my experience here or not. Overall, the meal was pleasant and the location was easy to get to (right off the blue line Western stop - so close that you can hear the train as it passes by every ten minutes or so).

    Patrons order at a counter, receive a number, then wait for 10 minutes or less while the chefs prepare the SPICY food. Luckily, staff brought ice water by and refilled our glasses every few minutes. They know what's up.

    I had the lemon chicken sandwich. The food, as mentioned, had a kick or two. I drank a lot of water, but I left the restaurant feeling content. Cannot pinpoint something that made the meal unpleasant, but didn't blow me away.

    Best parts of the meal, for me, were the piping hot, thin french fries and the curry dipping sauce. YUM! Would definitely recommend them.

  • 3.0 star rating
    11/10/2009
    1 check-in

    i really REALLY wanted to love this place, just like i wanted to love urban belly.  but alas it just was not meant to be.  i love bill kim's food conception, fusing korean with puerto rican flavors, but holy salt lick batman, my korean bbq kogi sammich was overwhelming on the taste buds.  whilst i enjoyed the familiar flavor of bulgolgi/kalbi + kimchee type fillings, it was just WAY too salty.

    Date got the asian meatball sammich, he said it was pretty good, but nothing amazing.  i enjoyed the addition of mint and noodles in a sandwich.

    the tostones were tasty, loved the limey chimichurri. and you just can't go wrong with crispy plantains.

    for dessert we tried the bacon chocolate chip soft serve.  i was disappointed that these were toppings, and not mixed in/incorporated better.  but it all worked together anyway.  the more i ate it, the more i wanted. especially mindy segal's chocolate chunk cookies -- i wanted to take home a whole bag of these.

    even with the disappointments, i will be coming back to check out the other sammiches -- i also really want to try their belly dog, which is on their website, but not on the menu. i hope it's one of the "secret menu" items and not some seasonal thing.

  • 5.0 star rating
    1/20/2012
    1 check-in

    So, so , so good. I was here as a guest of Bill KIm and he let us all try everything.  One thing after another was amazing.  The fries, the hot dog , the sweet potatoes, I could go on and on.  You must come here, and keep going back!

  • 4.0 star rating
    4/15/2011

    First time here and it was alright.  The fries were divine but the house special was just enh.  It was fried chicken on cornbread with a chorizo sauce.  The problem? The chorizo sauce contained something citrusy that killed the taste of the chorizo and everything was smothered in the sauce.  What did the cornbread taste like?  I couldn't tell you because the only thing it tasted like was sauce.  

    Food aside, the ambiance is very urban and clearly skater influenced with boards on the walls from what I presume to be famous places.  The music is low enough to not be intrusive, though it's positively blasting in comparison in the bathroom - weird.

    Would I return?  Yes, if nothing else to try something else on the menu and see what how it fairs.  Bill was about $40 for two people including to specials, 1 order of fries, and 1 can of diet coke.  This is a BYOB establishment.

  • 4.0 star rating
    11/8/2009

    I just went here today and I like and love this place!!! I would give it a full 5 stars except that I'm not a fan of the location.  After spending a day in Wicker Park, I was hoping it would be in a more congested - and walkable area - which I guess helps with crowd control - but it doesn't make for a "drop by" spot.  The fact that it's in a spot with little foot traffic makes it difficult for me to convince whatever friends are with me at the moment to get into a car and drive there without promising them gold and/or orgasms.

    The interior is nice - it's urban chic - with a minimalist theme.  It's a pretty wide open space which I appreciate as I dislike feeling suffocated in small spaces (hi. xoco. the other hype-of-the-moment).

    You order at the counter and pay at the counter.  They give you a number that you take to an open table - and according to the servers, they do no remove your number until your entire order is received - it's their way of double-checking themselves for complete orders.  I like that - especially in a order-sit-and-receive-orders type of place - because a lot of the times, the food comes at different times and you aren't 100% sure if the rest of your order is coming or if part of your order was forgotten/misplaced.  This process minimizes the stress of stressing out over whether or not to bother and ask if this-that is coming.

    Ordered the Sweet and Sour sopa. And it was awesome.  I want a batch of this in my home at all times during the winter season.  It looks small but it's hardy.  It has pork belly bites, spouts, tortilla chips, and these giant-steroid-like corn niblets - which has a consistency and taste similar to garbanzo beans.  It is amazing.  I think of all the things I ordered and tasted off of other people - this was, by far, my favorite.

    Also ordered Brussel Sprouts & Chorizo side - and that was my 2nd favorite thing I ate there.  The brussel sprouts are perfectly cooked - not too mushy - a little bit of bite.  The chorizo is crumbled so that you can have a little bit of it with each brussel sprout.  There was a hint of mint in the flavor.  Anyway, it was so yummy.

    Also ordered the Butternut Squash side - it comes in little cubes and kind of made me feel like I was eating baby food - but it was also good.

    The korean-bbq-gogi sammich - it was good but I'm korean and so it was nothing new to me.  The taste was very familiar - and that alone, is a good thing.  A lot of times "korean bbq gogi" doesn't end up tasting anything like korean bulgogi - but it did - as well as the kimchi/pickles served with it.

    Overall, a good experience.  I didn't get to try the soft serve that I had my eye on - because I was way full.  But there is a bacon chocolate chip soft-serve that I will definitely be trying the next time I go in there because... well... bacon + chocolate = two things I super loves.

    One last thing, since we were all first-timers here, we weren't aware that people consider it a BYOB - and noticed that a lot of tables had beer/wine/etc - definitely bring some with you!  I'm pretty sure the beer would've helped the experience as well - I think it would have helped bring out the flavor as well as neutralize the mixture of flavors a bit.. as every dish (except for the kogi sammich) had a bit of fusion to it which means a mixture of spices.

    Side note:   A lot of people at our table decided that there's a hint of latin and vietnamese flavors in a lot of the dishes - maybe it's the use of cilantro and lemongrass?  

    It was a good experience and everyone agreed that they would want to return to try some of the other sammiches and definitely the soft-serve.

  • 3.0 star rating
    11/30/2009

    The sandwiches were mediocre (bulgogi and tilapia) and a bit pricey for what you get. However, the hot & sour soup and brussels sprouts with chorizo were very tasty!

    I'm craving the mint brownie chunks over soft serve again.

    Overall, very interesting flavor combinations I never would have thought of. I'm definitely coming back for the sides and dessert. Skipping the sandwiches.

Belly Shack - 227 Photos - Latin American - Logan Square - Chicago, IL - Reviews - Menu - Yelp
 

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  • 4.0 star rating
    5/5/2012

    Everything I had so far is pretty good, the meatball sandwich is my favorite.

  • 5.0 star rating
    4/29/2012

    My mouth is ringing! Everything I ate had about 12 different flavors, somehow all working seamlessly together. I'll be back!

  • 3.0 star rating
    2/21/2010

    First the food - I had chorizo brussel sprouts and tilapia.  The brussel sprouts were delicious; this could be an addicting food if more widely available.  The tilapia was on the salty side, but had a great presentation as a "deconstructed" fish sandwich.  

    This place fails in pricing.  Everything is just $1-2 too much for what you get.  I value high quality ingredients, but I also want to feel I'm getting a good value for the cost.

  • 3.0 star rating
    1/23/2010

    Are the portions here made for ANTS!? Zoolander thinks so. As do I.

    First and foremost, the decor had the feel of a commercial warehouse. Industrial stools and tables lined the interior; it was part grunge and part bicyclist haven.

    Secondly, the food was pretty decent.  We ordered the Korean Kogi sandwich, tostones, fries with curry sauce, and hot and sour soup. Now from my previous foray to urban belly, I came in knowing that the hot and sour soup wouldn't taste the same as one at your local Chinese restaurant. Therefore, with my expectations in check, I was pleasantly surprised with their version. The wonton crisps and spicy broth were soothing. The tostones (well mainly the chimichurri sauce) and the fries with curry sauce were definite standouts. The sandwich was basically Korean Bulgogi, sliced kim chi and pita bread. It was somewhat dissappointing - I found the seasoning to the meat lacking.

    My major gripe with the place are the portions. You could seriously leave here spending $12 and still be hungry.  Our other buddy ordered one of the salads as his main entree and the waiter came out with three small plates for sharing. Was the joke on us? The portion was good for at most one person, let alone three. Therefore, the value here, for a lack of better words, sucks.

    Probably won't be back unless I need a soup and carb fix.

  • 2.0 star rating
    9/25/2011
    3 check-ins

    I've visited Belly Shack a handful of times and I really really want to love it. Especially since I'm the walking equivalent to Korean fusion! (har har) It's possible that I'm just too darned spoiled by my mom's phenomenal Korean cooking, but I find the food to be waaay too salty. It wouldn't have bothered me so much if we could have purchased more plain rice to eat with our meal, but when we asked the cashier we were straight up DENIED. Haven't you watched any Gordon Ramsey shows, Belly Shack?

  • 4.0 star rating
    3/17/2011

    The food at Belly Shack is very flavorful.  This is definitely a great place to go for a quick bite for lunch or dinner.  I've been twice and both times I've left quite satisfied.  This past time I had the Korean BBQ Beef with a side plate of the Tostones (which are great for sharing).  I thought the beef was well done and it was easy to eat with the flatbreads that came with it.  The time before I had one of the daily specials, which was a very tasty Korean pulled pork sandwich.  The person I was with on both occasions actually got the same thing I did, so I can say that we both really enjoyed it both times, but I don't know how great the other options are.  I'll be trying something else exciting the next time I go back.

    As for the ambiance, I think it is a very cool feel and it fits in with its below "L" location.  I think the place is just very solid.

  • 4.0 star rating
    11/1/2010

    I wouldn't call myself a picky eater, but I can't get into Korean food.  However, there is something about this place, maybe the mix of Korean and Puerto Rican, that is off the chain.  

    How do I love thee? Let me count the ways:
    1. The Korean BBQ and curry tilapia sammies are divine.
    2.  What do you do to your tostones to make them taste so good?!?
    3. BYOB is always fun
    4. Fro-yo was a perfect end to the meal, especially huckleberry lime
    5. Just roll off the Blue Line and you're there!

  • 5.0 star rating
    11/11/2009

    Excellent spot for an interesting selection of Asian inspired sandwichs, soups and sides.  I loved the Asian Meatball sandwich, a warm and crisp pita stuffed full of moist and favorful meatballs, and light somen noodles.  The side of brussel sprouts with chorizo was fantastic.   Efficent and friendly service.

    I will definitely going back to try some of other menu selections.

  • 5.0 star rating
    1/11/2012
    1 check-in

    Came here twice in two weeks!  For the Belly Dog (my favorite hot dog ever now - totally beats out Hot Doug's which is overhyped to me) - a juicy hot dog covered in some yummy goodness sauce and egg noodles.  Also came for the carafe of passion fruit lemonade.  And the Togarashi (sp?) fries with a side of curry mayo that come with the belly dog are also fantabulously awesome.

    We had also tried the meatball sandwich...not as phenomenal.  Go for the belly dog instead.  
    Also tried the brussel sprouts with chorizo.  Good too...

    Maybe not perfectly priced...a little on the high side in my opinion...but it's still yummy so it's not breaking the bank or my heart to eat here.

    Read the other reviews and take a hint - NO SUBSTITUTIONS.  Get over it.

  • 3.0 star rating
    2/21/2013
    1 check-in

    Finally can say I've eaten at the entire Bill Kim empire. Belly Shack is exactly that, a shack. It's BYO so I brought a six pack for myself and a bottle of white for my gf. Kinda like my BYO's to offer to keep my drinks chilled while I eat. They didn't offer, but to be fair I didn't ask. We shared an order of fries, the boricua, the asian meat ball sandwich, and a special they had for restaurant week. The fries were the big winner. The boricua with the marinated beef option was not so good. That may have had something to do with the fact that my ex is Puerto Rican and my current gf kept poking me about my love for "eating" boricuas. Then she pointed out how the sandwich resembled a beat up vagina, and to top it off it smelled kinda funky. So to be fair it never really stood a chance. The special was the best of the sandwiches, and if I could go back I would've just had that and an order of fries.

  • 3.0 star rating
    12/9/2009

    As everyone before me said, this place but good but very overpriced. I went with a friend and the two of us split a Korean BBQ sandwich, a lemongrass chicken sandwich, 2 drinks and a blondie dessert between us for about $30. That definitely wasn't a large quantity of food, but luckily she and I didn't have huge appetites that evening.

    The sandwiches were very tasty, albeit kind of similar in taste (maybe it's just me, though?). I really do fail to understand the high price point -- do they use free range meat or something? $10 for a sandwich that doesn't even come with any sides seems ridiculous to me. I had high hopes for the blondie dessert, but found it to be disappointing. I thought it was going to be a blondie with soft serve on top, only to find out it was the other way around. There was waaay more soft serve than blondie chunks, too. I wouldn't reccomend it.

    The place itself looks kind of "unfinished" because of it's minimalist decor, not too great for dining in. The wait staff is very friendly, though, so points for that.

    Overall, I doubt I'd return because I can't justify paying this much for food I can probably get elsewhere for half the cost. So, anyone want to reccomend a good Korean BBQ joint to me!?

  • 2.0 star rating
    7/18/2014

    i like the food here but certain things are annoying me enough that i will likely not include this in my regular neighborhood food rotation.  first, ordering food to go, the wait time is longer than they estimate (i get that it is a friday etc) but it's frustrating standing around waiting for food for 40+ minutes after being told it will be 20 minutes, especially with a counter-service set-up.  second, i constantly want to order the meatball sandwich or belly dog but i want to sub tofu because I don't eat chicken/beef/pork/etc and they won't make them with tofu and have given various inconsistent explanations as to why.  third, i don't usually care about service so long as it's not terrible, but customer service here leaves something to be desired.  it's not terrible and i can't quite pinpoint what annoys me but it's all very meh and makes me feel like i want to go somewhere else.  this is especially on nights when waiting for a to-go order, we are waiting 20+ minutes longer than they estimate with no explanation/apology/acknowledgement.  fourth, the rice/tofu dish seems to have fewer and fewer mushrooms every time i order it.  consistency in menu items that are always on the menu is a nice thing ...

    Comment from Allison C. of Belly Shack
    Business Owner
    7/23/2014 Kylie,

    I'm sorry to hear about the issues you've experienced while dining with us. Please contact me…
    Read more
  • 4.0 star rating
    10/20/2009
    First to Review

    Went here with a bunch of co workers and we sampled almost all the sides / sandwiches and really enjoyed them all.  I had the BBQ Kogi sandwich and really enjoyed the flavors. It was savory and sweet. The sample of soup I tried was my favorite side dish and I would definitely get a full bowl next visit. It tastes like a tortilla soup with an asian influence, very memorable. This place is truly a great blend of different cultural flavors. The sandwiches might be a bit expensive at the $9-$10 range making a lunch rather expensive when you add a side but its a nice treat and would make a good dinner too. The fact that this place is BYOB also enhances the dinner option. The location is right below the blue line so its really convenient if you are able to easily get to the blue line. The sound from the trains overhead is audible but the soundproofing is very well done and does not distract.

  • 3.0 star rating
    11/21/2009
    Listed in Top Restaurants

    3.5 Stars. I was super excited to try Belly Shack since I love Urban Belly. I did realize thru reading about the restaurant that it is a totally different concept, being Asian Latin Fusion sandwiches basically. I would definitely say it is worth trying... but is it something that I would crave or frequent? Probably not.

    First off, I like what they did with the feel and the decor. It is definitely urban, located off the Western blue line (really, under and you can hear it, too) and with a funky, casual vibe inside.

    i ordered the bulgogi sandwich, which came with pita and kimchee to make-your-own. It was yummy... and a good amount, too. I also got the tostones, which were covered in a garlic sauce. They were tasty but not something that I would rave about. I also tried my friend's brussel sprouts and those were pretty good! I would order that again! I also tried the hot and sour soup... didn't really get a feel for that but did notice it had some nice flavoring to it.

    Overall, it was a good experience and I am glad I tried it. The menu is a little limited and the price is high for what it is, but very reasonable for a "going out" meal.

    I would go back, but not in a hurry. There are many other places that I would put ahead of Belly Shack, including Urban Belly.

  • 4.0 star rating
    10/21/2009

    I'm pretty psyched about the last couple months worth of restaurant openings in Chicago - between Xoco and Belly Shack, it seems like there's a real boom in culinary creativity on the affordable end of the spectrum, without being some BS pre-packaged name brand chef fast food joint ala Wolfgang Puck.

    After reading about this new spot in Time Out and realizing that I was actually only a few blocks away at the time, I swung by and was pleased to find a seat and no line. The place was hopping busy to be sure, with a young, hip and really diverse crowd. I haven't yet made the trek to Urban Belly, but it's on the top of my list, and I was happy to see this place in a much more accessible location (right under the Western Blue Line stop). The spot is a good fit with the overall vibe of the place - unpretentious, approachable, and a little risky. We're talking underground hip hop, Banksy style graffiti and tables that look like old school Benetton ads.

    Like most of the other reviewers, I had the Korean BBQ sammy, which was really bulgogi, kimchi and the pita bread to pick it up with. Quality stuff to be sure, and interesting presentation style - nothing fancy, but predictably quite good. I also ordered a side of the brussel sprouts with chorizo, which was also tasty (in a make-you-feel-dirty kinda way) and another relatively simple but excellent idea.

    Overall, I was intrigued by the place and it's close and affordable enough to try some other items - soft-serve with bacon-chocolate chips from the Hot Chocolate folks is a must try, and after a trip to Puerto Rico last year, I'm a sucker for some good tostones. Perhaps they'll eventually make some asian-themed mofongo...mmmm....mofongo.

    BYO is also a bonus, and I saw what looked like a table full of college students taking advantage of it. My guess is this place is one or two gushing profiles away from being hard as hell to get a seat at.

  • 4.0 star rating
    1/8/2010

    I've been to Belly Shack twice now, and its been solid both times.  The flavors are some of the most complex and distinct that you'll ever experience.  The korean bbq, meatball, and tilapia sandwiches are all fantastic.  The tilapia is served open face and presented fine-dining style.  I'll always order the tostones.

    I'll be back again and again...

  • 4.0 star rating
    11/9/2009

    I got the Boriquen or whatever it was called.....it was really yummy, you could totally taste the Korean influence which I enjoyed a lot.  I love Korean food!  It was really expensive for what it was but I think that is fine given that it tasted good.  
    Hopefully they change the menu often since it is pretty small and limited.  
    I will totally go back there.  Its a great addition to the hood.

  • 4.0 star rating
    4/6/2012
    1 check-in

    I went yesterday to meet a friend and I wasn't disappointed. The location itself is kinda unique, right under the El tracks. It's a small quaint self service BYOB stylishly decorated with an urban theme to it. When I got there I didn't know they don't serve alcohol but luckily there is a liquor store literally next door so we quickly took care of that problem! ;) There isn't much to the menu but the food was amazing! My meal, my friends and especially the appetizer was oh soo good. Service was very friendly and cordial and again, its a small place but nice and laid back. loved it!

  • 5.0 star rating
    8/4/2010

    For a casual, unique restaurant, this place ROCKS!

    The

  • 2.0 star rating
    12/23/2009

    I wasn't a huge fan of Belly Shack.  We went on a Friday night. Fortunately, we arrived before 7 p.m, so we were able to get a table quickly. While we were dining, there were probably 15 people standing in the restaurant waiting for a table.

    The best thing that we ate were the tostones. The Chimichurri sauce that came with it was outstanding. But the basket had only 5 or 6 tiny tostones in it, not really worth $5. Our sandwiches were not great. My husband had the BBQ Kogi, and I had the Asian meatball sandwich. Both had a really strong ginger flavor that overpowered the meat and were a little on the dry side.

    It's great that this place is BYOB, that usually warrants an extra star. But for $30 for two sub-par sandwiches and a couple tostones, I'd rather go somewhere else.

  • 3.0 star rating
    5/9/2010

    Full Disclosure: This is a take out review, so just the eats...

    I was able to try -
    Lemongrass Chicken (Sammich): Good not great. Chicken was fine, just not too exciting. A 'meh' is the word I'm looking for.

    Blackened Tilapia (Sammich): Came with a curry tartar sauce, very smooth and a little spicy. Thumbs up for the prep.

    Tostones: Get them, enough said. Thick for a 'chip' but still crispy on the edges. The chimichurri sauce served with it has a great fresh taste, but was a bit watery for a topper/dip.

    Good enough to warrant another trip, this time for the full dine-in experience.

  • 3.0 star rating
    3/30/2013

    I came here for lunch on a Friday afternoon. I came with myself and 3 others from work. 2 people got the meatball sandwich, one person got the korean bbq and I got the hot dog. The food was unique and tasty. My favorite thing that we had was the fries and curry mayo sauce. I would like to come back and try the plantains. I also got the vietnamese iced coffee which I thought was way too sweet. I think the food was good but a little pricey for what it is. The portions are filling don't know if i'd go out of my way to come here but since I work near by might come back to try the plantains.

  • 5.0 star rating
    1/28/2011

    I'm giving Belly Shack 5 stars -- for it's category and price point, food is stupendous!  Finally had the chance to try it and will be craving until I get to go back.  Based on Urban Belly, knew it would be good but totally beat my expectations.

    Restaurant has very cool urban/industrial vibe inside with refurbished table tops, grey cement floor, steel light fixtures, and exposed 'egg shell' ceiling.  Random wall stencils of Asian and Latin inspired graphics.  Overall, fun place.

    Concept: Korean-Latin fusion 'fast food'.  You order from the small but flavorful menu at a counter, take a number, and food brought out to you when done.

    Food:
    - Korean BBQ beef with kimchi: beef had strong garlic/ginger flavors balanced with a sweet BBQ bite.  Kimchi was good (have had better) but appreciate it's mild nature next to the awesome and very flavorful beef, topped with crispy green onion... fantastic!
    - Boricua: marinated chicken sandwiched between 2 perfectly crisply plantains topped with a mustardy-hoisin BBQ sauce and brown rice (can also get tofu or beef)... awesome

    Bottom line:
    Probably the best 'fast food' out there.  Combines 2 of my favorite cuisines (Latin and Asian) and full of flavor.  Parking is annoying because it's on Western just under Blue line.  Overall, money very well spent (and saved).

  • 1.0 star rating
    5/2/2013

    We just went into Belly Shack for a midday snack (I live around the corner) and honestly was horrified by how rude the girl behind the counter was.  The restaurant was EMPTY, not a sole inside, yet she was curt, unfriendly and just plain rude.  I asked a few questions about the menu and her one-worded responses made me never want to return.  Honestly, the ice cream was good, but not that good.  There are other options on the block---at least when McDonald's reopens we'll get service with a smile.  With what we paid for a cup of ice cream with no lid (even though it was to go) you at least could have offered a friendly smile.

  • 4.0 star rating
    3/29/2011

    Nestled under the Western Blue Line stop, Belly Shack serves up an interesting-sounding premise - Korean-Latin fusion. Normally I'm of the opinion that "fusion" restaurants are schizophrenic and don't know what they want to be, but Belly Shack makes it work.  I had the Meatball sandwich with soumen (ok, they put some Japanese in there, but it's noodles so I'll let it slide) and my friend had the Korean barbecue, sharing some tostones.  While the meatball sandwich was merely tasty, I tried a bit of the barbecue and it was amazing.  The tostones were served with chimichurri sauce, an excellent combination.

    While there's no alcohol served, it's BYOB and there's a liquor store around the corner.  Another nice touch is they gave us glasses for the
    beer - we didn't even have to ask.

    Decor is dark, with a skate theme.  Nice, but not a place you would take grandma (unless your grandma is awesome).

  • 4.0 star rating
    11/12/2010

    Very Good.
    Great mix, good prices, deserves to be rated more stars than McDonald's.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/18/2010

    This food is downright fantastic! What I love about it is how original and flavorful everything is. So far I've had the Lemongrass Chicken, Hot & Sour Soup, French Fries with Curry Mayo, Asian Meatball Sandwich and that yummy, delicious rice. I plan on having everything on the menu. I live in Nebraska right now and nothing in this state even comes close to the originality and boldness of Belly Shack's menu. I will go back, every time I am in Chicago.
    I see why Travel & Leisure, Food and Wine, and the Food Network are buzzing about Chef Kim's creations.

  • 3.0 star rating
    10/25/2009

    I was so excited for something new to take over Vella's space just a few block from our place, so when the Belly Shack did I couldn't wait to try it. We headed there today for lunch and I appreciated the concept, which is a mix of Asian and Puerto Rican street food.

    I ordered the Korean BBQ  and the brussel sprouts with chorizo and my husband ordered the Asian meatball sammich with the yellow river rice.

    Overall, we both thoroughly enjoyed our food, he liked my Korean BBQ MUCH better than his meatballs due to the intensity of the mint in the meatballs, but I liked the mint so we switched sandwiches midway through the meal.

    My main complaint is the price, for $35 we got two sandwiches, two sides and one tiny, 8oz diet cola. For $9-$10 a sandwich you would expect a side to be included, and if not I would expect the sides to start at less than $5 a pop!

    That being said, the portions were generous on the sandwiches and we could definitely get away with just splitting one side next time. Plus it's BYOB so you can always go for an affordable dinner and bring your own beer or liquor.

    I did have the same complaint about the food coming out at random times. All four of our items came out at different times, and our sides were brought to us only after we were almost finished with the main meal.

    Yes, I will go back again every once in a while, but If they would adjust the prices to fit the neighborhood & casual feel of the place, and possibly work out the kinks in the timing of the food delivery, I'd make it more of a regular stop.

  • 3.0 star rating
    1/24/2010

    This place is good and tasty, but overpriced.  I have been twice recently, and I enjoy the vibe there-- very laid back and cool.  The staff is VERY friendly.  The hot and sour soup is really good.  I had the lemongrass chicken last time, and I wouldn't get it again.  The blackened tilapia sandwich was ok, but I think that for $11, it should come with a little side--cole slaw or their tasty french fries.  It is a cool place, but I don't love it.  I want a cheaper side option-- the sides are $4 or $5, and for a order-at-the-counter place, that's a lot!

  • 4.0 star rating
    11/17/2009

    This will be my shortest review ever:

    pro: tasty
    con: expensive

    4 stars, but I already miss Vella.

  • 4.0 star rating
    9/2/2013

    hell. yes. creative, exciting, and unpretentious food packed with exciting flavors. absolutely loved the hotdog and kimchi beef. would recommend the hotdog and curry fries, as well as the delicious ice cream. i can't imagine this place having negative reviews, unless it's service related due to some fluke, or tastebuds that can't rock out to some creative fusion combos and should rather stick with italian food.

  • 5.0 star rating
    11/23/2009
    Listed in Logan Square rocks

    The tostones are soooo good! I love plaintains and order tostones quite a bit - they were perfectly cooked, just flat enough, just enough salt... and the garlic sauce was delicious!

    The lemongrass chicken sandwich was not at all what I expected, but had a delicious dark tangy sauce served with a tasty kimchee-like (but not kimchee) salad on the side. I was a little thrown off initially about the make-your-own sandwich thing, but I really enjoyed the meal from start to finish.

    The boy had the BBQ beef kogi sandwich with kimchee and thought it was really good. The kimchee, at least, was good (I don't eat beef). It looked good :)

    On top of loving my meal, Belly Shack is BYOB (no corkage fee) and has a great atmosphere; modern and minimalist. You do have to order at the counter (i.e. fast food style), but they bring the food to your table and refill your drinks/uncork your wine at the table. Basically the counter ordering means you don't have to leave the usual 18% tip, more like 10-15%. (More money in my pocket!) The service was still good despite the whole counter business. And this place is super convenient if you live near a blue line stop - it's literally next to (or kinda underneath) the Western Blue line stop.

    My only problem with the Belly Shack is the limited menu, only 5 or 6 sandwiches, a soup and a couple salads and softserve (though they have quite unique flavors of softserve).

    4 stars? 5 stars???

    What the heck - 5 stars!!!

    I really heart you, Belly Shack - welcome to Logan Square.

  • 4.0 star rating
    1/9/2011

    Belly shack is a tasty little fusion joint. I had the Korean BBQ beef. and my girlfriend has the Asian meatball with noodles and mint. Both were super delicious and came in at $9 (nothing on the menu is over $9). We split the hot and sour soup which was also tasty.

    Its BYOB with a liquor store just around the corner if you want to pick up some beer. Its a little chilly if you sit by the door in winter time but I love paying at the counter and then getting your food. When we were finished we just got up and left.

    Highly recommended for a quick delicious meal.

  • 1.0 star rating
    8/24/2012

    I like this place and the food, I really do, but when you have a very limited menu and then start pulling the "we don't do any modifications" BS, you lose my respect and my business. I don't ask for substitutions, just leave off the chili paste for my friends who are allergic. Can't do that little bit? We'll eat somewhere else, end of story.

  • 3.0 star rating
    5/17/2010

    Dessert was the best part of this meal. The soft serve was delicious and they fill up that bowl to the top the way it was meant to be. I ate the mint brownie which has toppings from Mindy Segal, the same woman who runs Hot Chocolate and who was honored with the James Beard pastry chef award. At 4 bucks, you can't say no. With Margie's Candies around the corner the Western blue line stop must be where God dropped the ice cream mana from heaven.

    Other than dessert though...nothing was too special. I ordered the Boricua which was pretty much a jibarito with tofu. The tofu didn't have much flavor and the other toppings didn't make up for it. Staff wasn't terrible but, wasn't great either.

    The atmosphere...oh, the atmosphere. The only thing I can sum it with is "trying too hard". The place tries too look "cool, dark, gritty and edgy" but, it just ends up looking laughable. The most embarrassing part is that the soft serve is called "U KUD LIK DIS". I rest my case.

  • 4.0 star rating
    8/22/2010

    This would probably be a 3-3.5 star rating, but I'm bumping it up for the tostones alone, which I devoured.

    We went on a Saturday night around 7:30 and walked right in.  The place seemed to fill up as we waited for our food, but there was no trouble getting a spot at the beautiful long wooden table in the middle.  (I'm kind of ambivalent about the decor otherwise.  I've seen it described as "industrial."  To me, it just kind of looked unfinished and plain, though I wouldn't call it uncomfortable.)

    I ordered the boricua sammich, which was delicious, though it was a little sloppy (this one is definitely meant to be eaten with a knife and fork).  The tostones were even better - hot and crispy with a great Chimichurri sauce that had just a hint of citrusy spice.  

    Considering that it's a walk-up counter with mostly sandwiches, the prices are a little steep, but the flavors are good and the menu is creative.  Certainly worth the trip.

  • 3.0 star rating
    10/22/2011

    I really wanted to love Belly Shack, but honestly I just liked it.  We went for take out and ordered the Brussels sprouts, fries, meatball sandwich and beef rice bowl.  The Brussels sprouts were good, my husband liked them more than I did though.  I thought the sauce was oddly sweet.  The fries were SOGGY, like uber uber soggy.  I realize we got take out and that's part of the problem, but I've had plenty of take out  fries from hot dog joints and such and never have I seen them get soggy like this.  The really sad part was that the dipping sauce was amazing, but the fries ruined it.  The meatball sandwich wasn't super flavorful, it kind of tasted like spaghetti and meatballs in a bun.  The beef rice bowl was my favorite thing by far, with tender strips of marinated beef and a soft, short grain brown rice and veggies plus kimchi.  The only problem is that, while good, Bon Bon down the street has rice bowls that are phenomenal.  I don't think I'll be rushing back to Belly Shack, unfortunately.

  • 5.0 star rating
    12/28/2010

    The 'Shack nails gourmet counter service to the wall - delicious food, random yet cohesive recipe innovations (Asian meatballs in a pita, anyone?), and nice wait staff. It's also always very clean, which I appreciate.

    I highly recommend their korean beef (in any dish), their fries (some of the best "fancy" fries around), and of course the aforementioned Asian meatball sandwich.

    The junkyard decor is great, as well, although the metal seats could be a little more comfortable. Of course, when you're slamming down some kimchi and beef you tend to forget about such things.

  • 4.0 star rating
    3/31/2011

    Awesome!!! Not as good as it's sister restaraunt Urban Belly but very good and I wish they had one of these spots closer to my house.

    The only issue is that douchebag hipster BYOB bottles of wine and sit there while people sit outside freezing their ass off.  Finding parking can be a pain in the butt....

  • 3.0 star rating
    3/1/2010

    Since I happened to be in the neighborhood and it was just across the street, I decided to grab some sammies at Belly Shack.

    I ordered the Kogi and the Asian meatball.

    I've been to Urban Belly, so I sort of knew what to expect from the Kims.  The decor was dark, grey and industrial.  The space was actually larger than Urban Belly.  There was one large cafeteria style table in the center of the dining room, but all the other tables were either two or four seaters.  All the seats were bar stools.  

    The menu like the dining room is minimalist.  There seems to be one special per day and about twenty or so odd items on the regular menu.

    The food was weird, but a good weird.  I wasn't expecting noodle with my meatball pita-ish sammie, but it was a refreshing addition that allowed me to taste more than just meat.

    I will be back to dine in.  I want to try the tostones, other sammies and some of the funky (good funky) sounding soft serve.

Belly Shack - 227 Photos - Latin American - Logan Square - Chicago, IL - Reviews - Menu - Yelp
 

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  • 4.0 star rating
    3/25/2010

    I have walked by, drove by, and even went in to scope it out once...but i haven't eaten here.  Not until today.  I have been to the Urban Belly on California and I know that they both have the same idea.  My bf was out of town and I was way too lazy to cook dinner for just myself so I decided to venture and have a seat.  I will say that the food is on the pricey side.  I spent about 15 bucks here but I do think it was worth it.  I ordered the lemon grass chicken and a side of the yellow river rice.    The flavors just tasted soo awesome.  I couldn't figure out if it was latin or vietnamese...but wait...duh it's fusion food.  That is why it's so awesome here.  I will be back to try something else.

    The menu is a little small...and I don't think that I would come here with a group of friends because the layout is strange but for some interesting flavors and awesome food...come check it out.

  • 5.0 star rating
    12/20/2009

    YUMMMMMMMMYYYYY!  I'm a huge fan of small menus.  AND ohhhh I'm so going back.  Food was great, really great.  The breads amazing, the flavors outstanding.  SO GOOD.  Staff was super friendly.  Prices are a touch high in my opinion considering sides are all al a carte, but not extraordinarily so.   Decor is minimal yet warm.  Loved it.  Husband loved it.  We'll be back... heck, maybe even tomorrow!

  • 4.0 star rating
    2/7/2010

    What a treat!  I love the flavorful and delicious combinations!

    The sides are where it's AT! Definitely get the squash and the rice w/sun dried tomatoes (2 separate sides).  SKIP THE BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH CHORIZO.

    I'm not sure I'd go out of my way to eat here again, but I'm glad I went once.  If I lived in the 'hood, this would become a staple.

    And save room for dessert at Margie's Candies!

  • 4.0 star rating
    2/1/2012

    I've eaten here a number of times per the suggestion of a business associate from Philly who happened to have tried it during a prior trip to Chicago.  When I tell you he ordered everything on the menu i'm not kidding..he wanted us to try everything.  The Korean BBQ Beef was my favorite, I was literally picking at it off other peoples plates.  The Asian meatball was good but I thought a little bland.  The Somen Noodle soup stood out as one of my favorites, it was a great combo of flavors.  The crispy plantain's were good but next to the Korean Beef the Brussells Sprouts with Chorizo was to die for.  I could eat this everyday and never get sick of it.  Under the Blue Line at Western/Milwaukee, it's a good location between Bucktown and Logan Square.  I usually park on Milwaukee just South of the intersection because there's always spots, but do your thing.

  • 4.0 star rating
    1/24/2010

    This is a very cool place.  I've been lucky enough on both occasions to find a place to sit in the somewhat  communal dining area.

    Staff - friendly, helpful, knowledgeable
    Food - Fun to eat and flavorful
    Ambience - Fun, almost family oriented, but if your friends were your fam

    The Kogi Sammich - my GEE EFF loved it.  I thought it was good.  Portions a little too small for the price, I think, but still the food is good.

    The Boricua - killa!  Veggie version of my famous Poto Reecan sammich.  Not as greasy or unhealthy, but a different and welcome twist on the original.

    Quinoa Ssam - This was awesome, as I'm new to the various ways of preparing this healthy and protein rich super food.  (Technically, I don't think it's called a superfood - but I call it one.  So...SUPERFOOD.)  These came in lettuce wraps - which made 'em even "betta-edabull."

    I know, it's like there's a new word every REVIEW!

    So if not for being a tad bit too expensive for what you get in terms of portion size, I would totally come here more often.  Doesn't mean I won't though.  Quality food, ingredients...and a fun, communal atmosphere if you're in that type of mood.

  • 4.0 star rating
    3/8/2010

    Now, my friend Jodi would say I have no right to review, seeing how I only had three bites of her sandwich. Well, not only did I have those three bites, but I also used the bathroom and sat in the resturant with her while we waited for her to get her food. It's your call.

    Oh, how was it, you ask? Delectable. Devine. Delicous. Devilsh. Sick of these d-words? Ok.

    The chicken sandwich my friend Jodi ordered was on fried plantains, with some sort of amazingness sauce, bean sprouts and a few other goodies. So tasty that I took three bites when I was only allowed one.

    I fell in love with the decor, sort of a hip, urban gothic feel to it. Dark and sexy. It's BYOB, which means that I can drag my friend Jodi here and have a meal that she would deem review-worthy.

    Soon, my friends, very soon.

  • 5.0 star rating
    1/30/2010
    4 check-ins

    I really love the urban-industrial concept of Belly Shack, which is perfectly executed down to the light fixtures in the restroom. The sounds of Blue Line trains speeding overhead are only slightly softened by insulation. The small metal tables and stools seem to dare you to sit down and get comfortable, but we spotted several groups pushing tables together to cozy up, many of them apparently enjoying the restaurant's BYOB policy.

    The food is a huge juxtaposition with the physical environment. Everything we tasted was warm, spicy, comforting -- the tostones with chimichurri sauce, blackened tilapia, and the amazing Asian meatball sandwich. And Bill Kim himself brought our food to our table -- definitely a nice touch.

    The perfect early-evening meal on a cold, snowy night. Can't wait to go back and sample the rest of the menu.

  • 5.0 star rating
    1/26/2012 Updated review

    Back again for another time, different item organic rice and chicken, yet again amazed.  This place is a must go for people in the area.

    5.0 star rating
    1/6/2012 Previous review
    The Korean beef was out of this world.  Everyone working there was super nice and super helpful.… Read more
  • 5.0 star rating
    4/29/2013

    I love Belly Shack and come here as often as possible. Much better executed than the more upscale Belly Q, and tastier than Urban Belly. Unique food that is personal to the chefs and cheap.

  • 4.0 star rating
    3/26/2010
    1 check-in

    Second joint from Chef Bill Kim and I am a fan!  Never had Korean-Latin American fusion before, but this was really good.   Sleek, edgy, and slightly grundgy decor tries to camouflage this new spot literally under the subway.  Came on a weekday night and they didn't have the belly dog, but here's what we had:

    Asian meat balls with rice noodles and mint:  warm and surprisingly sweet, and a little spicy.  Yum.
    Somen noodles with olive oil poached shrimp and tortilla chips:  a cold salad, small on the portion size, but similarly well balanced sweet/savory/spicy.
    Tostones with chimichurri sauce:  Think flattened unsweet plantains, deep fried.  Ok but I would try the roasted squash with maple syrup and pho spices side instead.

    Didn't get to the ice cream but would have tried the bacon choco chip or mint brownie - kudos to chef kim for creativity!

  • 5.0 star rating
    3/27/2013

    I'll be simple, a great place to get delicious food at a reasonable price. Try it, you'll like it.

  • 5.0 star rating
    5/8/2010 Updated review

    I have been back to Belly shack 4 or 5 times since my original review.... I just love the flavors and the value.  I still wish that the chairs had backs, but...everything else is lovely.  Takeout works well, too.

    Yummy in my belly (shack).

    4.0 star rating
    3/8/2010 Previous review
    Yummy!

    The mix of flavors was so lovely.  Asian, latin and so fresh.  The kimchi added to every bite.…
    Read more
  • 3.0 star rating
    11/16/2009

    I guess I just don't get the Bill Kim lovefest.  I tried giving his new endeavor a shot after being severely disappointed at Urban Belly because I was interested in his take on the Kogi craze in LA.(which I was unimpressed with during my trip to LA a couple months ago)
    Three of us ordered the kogi, lemongrass chicken, and meatball sammiches with sides of tostones, maple glazed butternut squash with pho spices and the brussels sprouts with chorizo.  Without drinks, this set us back $50.  I thought it was a little expensive considering the portion size of the sides but it wasn't too bad.  After we got our sammiches, we noticed that only my meatball sammiches was put together.  The Kogi and lemongrass chicken were, for some reason, separated parts for you to put together yourself.  Maybe I'm just ignorant but what's the point of that???  And there was only meat and bread, no vegetables or anything.  For a $10 item, can a brother get some lettuce!
    Flavor wise, the Kogi tasted like bulgogi that you can get anywhere.  Pretty uninspired if you ask me.  The lemongrass was nothing special according to my friend.  My meatball was good.  I like the gingery meatballs and the noodles inside the pita actually tasted great.  I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it.  The tostones were very good, as was the butternut squash.   The brussels sprouts in chorizo that other yelpers seem to love, disappointed.  It disappointed in that if you are looking for a combination of the two flavors, you ain't gonna taste it.  All I could taste was chorizo.  Luckily I love chorizo so it didn't bother me much but go order it expecting to taste brussel sprouts (which for some might be a good thing)
    I probably won't be going back even though the food was just OK.  And service?  What service? You do everything yourself except get the food from the kitchen.

  • 5.0 star rating
    3/19/2012

    Awesome, awesome noodles. The Korean BBQ beef and the pork meatball sandwich are as good as advertised. Friendly staff.

  • 4.0 star rating
    3/6/2010

    Ended up here today when 3 of us were starved for lunch and not feeling like eggs or brunch...

    We got three items--the asian meatballs, kogi bbq and the beef/plantain special. The special was by far the best but all three were very flavorful. The meatballs had outstanding flavor but I felt bad that they got lost in the oversized pita.

    Perhaps most impressive? The service. This is a counter service place but we were offered cups of ice after we sat and someone went around refilling waters. Most of all, they seemed happy to work here and I was happy to be in an attitude-free zone for a change!

  • 4.0 star rating
    1/24/2010

    After drooling over pics of Belly Shack food I finally got to eat my fill yesterday and I have to say that everything I had was as delicious as it looked. The tostones with chimichurri sauce were soooo good.  The roasted squash was not only adorable to look at it was perfect when mixed with my Lemongrass chicken. By the way, the lemongrass chicken comes with some of the best spicy slaw that I have ever tasted. My boyfriend had the tilapia and was really happy with it.

    I enjoyed the seat yourself, grab your own silverware style of this place. The restaurant itself is a nice contract to the incredibly vibrant colors of the food and I didn't feel that we'd paid too much given how much we enjoyed everything and the quality of the food served. A bonus was spotting a very famous chicago chef enjoying Belly Shack himself two tables over.

    As a fan of Mindy Segal I am soooo excited to try the soft serve treats but I will have to wait to do so. We were way too full with just what we'd ordered to have dessert.

  • 5.0 star rating
    3/15/2013

    I have been here a bunch of times, and I always leave happy.  Delicious, satisfying food.  The service is super fast. BYOB. For Chicago, I find it amazingly cheap.  Good for groups cause you avoid the awkward bill splitting because you pay up front at the cashier.

  • 4.0 star rating
    10/25/2009

    Really liked the asian meatball sandwich. I also was a fan of the brussel sprouts and chirizo. In addition I got to taste the bbq beef which was nicely spiced and extremely tender. The mini coke bottles were unfortunate though, as well as the high prices and odd phrases on the walls...

  • 4.0 star rating
    11/22/2009

    Korean/Latin food that is vegan and gluten friendly!  

    I'm no longer a full-fledged vegetarian but I totally appreciate the boricua sandwich-- the vegan version of a Puerto Rican jibarito-- perfectly tender tofu, black beans, and rice between plantains marinated in a tangy cilantro vinegar oil.  If that doesn't satisfy your taste for plantains, the tostones are fried and salted with the same cilantro sauce on the side- a harmonious yin and yang of richness and lightness.  You can bring your own booze or try the delicious sparkling apple soda.

    This is a quaint spot for people to eat solo, grab take-out or bring a large group of friends.  The staff seemed very attentive, ready to guide incoming customers to the daunting communal table, if necessary. (Communal seating is okay, people; we all just want to eat!)  There are plenty of private tables too for those intending on intimate conversation to discuss illicit financial transactions or what have you.  

    Also cute-- the little slogans on the walls.  "Humboldt Park not Heights."  Not sure if I've heard HP referred to as Humboldt Heights, but I'm guessing the restaurant is saying they want to preserve the neighborhood, hence the Puerto Rican component of the menu. Their presence probably does contribute to the gentrification of the neighborhoods to the south and west of Belly Shack, but I think it's delightful they have put their own spin on local ethnic cuisine.

  • 5.0 star rating
    1/10/2010
    2 check-ins

    I have a soft spot for the word Belly, so it's only natural that I would be drawn to this place.

    Why I love it:
     Belly is in the name
     the food cheers me up
     the flavors are distinct and stimulate all the buds.
     the menu is inventive and uncomplicated
     the space is sexy in a dirty hot kind of way

    Please go there, yo mouth will bust a move ( leave it alone, the song is playing on a sitcom that is on TV)

  • 5.0 star rating
    10/4/2010

    I can't say enough good things about Belly Shack. This place is the best new edition to the between-Logan Square-Wicker Park area in ages - and BYOB to boot! I've been going regularly since last winter, and I should have written a review long ago.

    I've tried most everything on the menu at this point, and it's all excellent. I have yet to go wrong. Standout entrees for me include: the Korean BBQ Kogi, the Lemongrass Chicken, and of course, the Belly Dog. I love a good Chicago Style hot dog, but that Belly Dog is a revolution - and I believe they've added it to their daily menu now, rather than having it just on Sundays. It's served on one of their fresh, hearty loaves (sort of a cross between a thick pita and... I don't know, something else, more European perhaps... it's just right though). Inside the bread is a bed of crispy, thin egg noodles, the dog of course, and a pile of scallions, crispy garlic, kimchi salsa, and probably some other stuff. And of course it comes with the incredible Togarishi Fries with Curry Mayo... So. Effin'. Good.

    I've loved everything else I've tried - Summer Watermelon Salad Special, Asian Meatball Sandwich both kick-ass. Hot and Sour Soup w/ Hominy, Togarishi Fries w/ Curry Mayo, Braised Brussel Sprouts or Greens w/ Chorizo, Tostones w/ Chimicurri - all excellent sides to share. If you've still got room after your main course, definitely try the soft serve! Bacon Chocolate Chip is the most eye-catching (and it's tasty) - but the Vietnamese Cinnamon Caramel is the real standout here.

    My wife and I used to stop here last winter for Sunday brunches, no matter how brutally cold the morning, it was nothing a bowl of the Hot and Sour soup couldn't fix. I can't wait to do it again this winter. This food has an uncanny ability to feel really hearty, wholesome, and home-cooked, while still being really exotic/interesting fusion. It's hard to explain it fully, but everything about the place works toward that for me. The staff has always been great, and Bill Kim, the chef, is often there. I love the cafe style pay-when-you-order, DIY water/silverware, etc. Despite this, the staff is still very attentive, walking around to fill water glasses, and so on.

    Some yelpers seem upset by the prices on the menu, which surprises me. I always feel like the prices are a great deal, considering how good the food is. Though it is presented and served very casually, and it's a very stripped-down menu, I consider Belly Shack to be on a similar level of food-quality with Lula Cafe... And the portion sizes? I have a big appetite, and I always leave stuffed. I don't think I've ever spent more than $15 for myself (and that's encompassing an entree and a side). It's well worth that cost.

  • 3.0 star rating
    3/27/2010

    Bill does it again.

    High concept, beautiful design, incredible product, the sort of place you talk about with fellow foodies for weeks to come.  The first bite of both the dishes I had elicited moans and wows.  My lunch date had the same reaction to her lemongrass shrimp.  Possibly the best squash dish I've ever had.

    Two issues.  No substitutions?  And, $9 for a sandwich?  

    Don't get me wrong.  I'll go back, especially when I'm hankering for Miso and Plantains in the same meal.  The price point, especially considering the diner-style ordering is quite curious, though.  Right around the corner I can get the best burrito of my life for nearly half the price...  We should all learn a little from Irazu, my friend.

  • 3.0 star rating
    12/4/2009

    When I read about this Korean-Boriquan fusion "sammich" shack I was intrigued. I wondered when this whole bulgogi sandwich thing would take off with the rise of casual Korean street food like the Kogi truck in LA. So when my friend and I went to check it out for a quick bite, we left thinking it was not mind-blowing, but not bad either.

    When you when in, you feel like you've entered a more modern and darker version of Chipotle. You go straight to the counter and place your order. We went with the bulgogi sammich, the chorizo and brussel sprouts, and butternut squash sides. We were confused as to whether we should leave a tip or not since we weren't sure if there'd be any table service for not. We left a few bucks anyway.

    We grabbed two cups of water and a server came by to open up our bottle of wine (BYOB) and gave us two small cups. Our sammich and sides smelled great but the portions were pretty small for what we paid. I'm Korean, so I've grown up eating bulgogi sandwiches on white bread so the concept was not new to me. The meat was well seasoned, but the best part of the sandwiches my grandmother used to make for me was all the juices that soaked through the bread which made the sandwich messy to eat, but oh so good! There wasn't much bulgogi juice, and not enough meat to eat with the 4 thick slices of pita.

    The butternut squash side was delicious, but nothing you couldn't make at home. The chorizo and brussel sprouts side was a fun way to take on the often overlooked vegetable, but the saltiness of the chorizo was a little much for me.

    It's defiitely a fun restaurant and I wouldn't mind going back.

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/14/2010

    This place is a stone's throw from my residence, and even though I've lived here for a year and a half I just now tried Belly Shack.  I wish I didn't wait so long.

    I visited this unique eatery with a friend on a Tuesday night. It wasn't busy, and the staff on hand were friendly and very attentive. I ordered the Asian Meatball sammich (gotta love the use of the word "sammich" on the menu) and my friend kept it light with the Hot & Sour Soup.

    My sammy was tasty, but a little awkward to eat due to the odd shape of the bread used. The meatballs were tender and uniquely flavored, especially with the mint, sriracha and ramen noodles mixed in. I tried my friend's soup, which was decent as well, although I have to agree with her... too much egg floating on the surface.

    And the reason I wanted to come here... Bacon Chocolate Chip Ice Cream. I'M IN LOVE! It's not what you think at first, it's vanilla soft serve topped with a crumbled chocolate chip cookie and bits of bacon. The combination of sweet and salty was amazing and I can't recommend it enough.

    Next time... Vietnamese Cinnamon Caramel Ice Cream!

  • 4.0 star rating
    3/15/2010

    Don't be fooled by the dark, drab, and sorta scary interior.  Belly Shack serves up some really unique eats that shouldn't be missed.

    I can't imagine the brussels sprouts with chorizo will stay on the menu through the spring and summer, so get them while you can.  If you're extra lucky, you'll be there when the Korean beef and plantain sandwich is offered on special.  This $10 treat mixes the elements of a traditional Puerto Rican jibarito (long slices of plantain fried into "bread" planks, garlicky mayonnaise) with loads of marinated beef and rice.

    Be sure to save room for dessert.  Sure, anyone can make soft serve.  But you'll never find it topped with huckleberries and lime zest at McDonald's...

  • 4.0 star rating
    1/24/2010

    Had lunch here recently. Great location off the blue line and concept is very similar to bill kims other fast food noodle shop -- urban belly.

    Again the cost is high for a fast food-order-at-the-counter joint but the ingredients are fresh! And the flavors are immense!!  The concept is Cuban-Korean-Asian fusion. The idea is Cuban, the flavors Asian.

    Must trys:
    -kogi beef sandwich. Jam packed with flavor and comes with a side of his infamous kimchi. At first I was confused as to how it was to be eaten but basically take the sammich and stuff it with the tasty beef. Delish.
    -bf had the lemongrass chicken which was awesome. Classic Vietnamese flavored lemon grass chicken with similar stuff your sandwich style. Chicken was mostly dark meat so it was moist.
    -sweet and sour soup: packed again with deep Asian flavors with a gorilla soup twist with tortilla chip strips and chicken
    -tostones with an asian chimichurri sauce, awesome! perfect crunch to the tostone and the sauce was perfect, probably best chimichurri sauce i've had, i like this version

    i've had the meatball sandwich in the past -- the meatballs are great, flavorful.  but the sandwich is stuffed with vermicelli noodle and beansprouts and is a bit awkward to eat, but with a little getting used to, i got over it.  

    they also serve soft serve ice cream with neat flavors.  we tried the vietnamese caramel with cinnamon which was again AWESOME! the soft serve was creamy, the caramel was just perfect, not too sweet and not too gooey. a must try.  there were several flavors marked as collaborated with mindy segel (james beard worthy pastry chef of hot chocolate), will try those next time.

    not sure why this joint is getting less than 4 stars at the moment.  i think perhaps opening during the down economy and serving higher priced fast-foods.  but i would give it a definite 4 solid stars.

    oh and byob.

  • 4.0 star rating
    1/19/2010

    Richard S. suggested this spot when we had an hour in between a trip to the Whistler and him going to the Lee Fields show.  None of us had ever been to Urban Belly, so this was our first foray into Bill Kim.  I'd call it successful.  

    Maybe I wasn't prepared, but I was a little shocked by the fast food style of Belly Shack.  I didn't realize it was an order at the counter restaurant.  As one of my dining companions pointed out, that ends up saving a good amount of money and just makes things easier and faster.  I agree.  

    This won't ever be confused with a setting that's really enjoyable to hang around in for a while.  There was a big table near us (that included Stephanie Izard of Top Chef fame), so there are people hanging out here.  I just wouldn't want to.  It's sterile and cold.  It's really just terrific fast food.  

    When I say terrific, I mean it.  I had the Korean sandwich, which was outstanding.  It was a well-flavored bulgogi and some kimchi in pitas.  I also had a side of the chorizo and brussel sprouts.  Unique and delicious.  

    To finish, we all shared some soft-serve with bacon/chocolate chips.  It's as bizarre as you think and as wonderful as you might want.  I'd have it again, but it must be shared.  No human should eat the entire thing.  

    The only thing preventing the Belly Shack from a 5 is ambiance.  It's just not a place I'd like to spend much time.  I will, however, go back for the food, and this will definitely push me to make a trip to Urban Belly.

  • 5.0 star rating
    3/26/2012

    Excellent food, very meat-centric, with some of the best kimchi in Chicago. They have a pretty small menu, but it's very strong so I feel confident ordering almost anything. Very casual, simple decor and a funny location that actually adds to its charm. Check it out.

  • 2.0 star rating
    2/25/2010

    Eh. It's fine. 2.5 stars.

    Not the stellar reaction K and I were hoping to have after lunching at Belly Shack. Don't get me wrong, some of the things K and I enjoyed were pretty tasty, but the overall experience wasn't quite IT.

    I had the meatball sammich; while the meatballs were tasty, the "packaging" of the sammich in a football-shaped, pita-like bread was odd, leaving a lot of extra bread in the corners. K opted for the BBQ kogi. Here again, the meat was tasty, but honestly, you can't call it a SAMMICH if the meat is served with pita bread ON THE SIDE. You just can't.

    We also tried the roasted squash (our favorite of the day) and the tostones. I've had tostones before, but none have been coated in a weird yellow-ish powder. I don't think it really added anything to their overall taste, so not sure what the deal was...

    The soft serve was lacking... K and I must have misread the soft serve menu - we thought we were getting vietnamese cinnamon-caramel soft serve, but instead got forgettable vanilla soft serve with some cinnamon grated on top, and caramel swirled around the side. Sad face.

  • 4.0 star rating
    1/7/2010 Updated review

    Updating my review to add 1 star.

    Had takeout again last night- but decided to try a few different things.  The hubs and I split the tilapia sammy, brussel sprouts & chorizo, tostones, yellow rice and the hot/sour soup.  Lots of leftovers!  Was around $30- not bad at all for dinner.  

    I wasn't a huge fan of the brussel sprouts- but we both loved the tilapia (cooked perfectly)- we normally get fish from Dirk's Fish Market and grill it ourselves, so to love the tilapia is a high compliment from us.  The tostones were salty but good.  I would definitely get the yellow rice again- with the hot/sour soup it would be a perfect lunch!

    3.0 star rating
    11/3/2009 Previous review
    Got takeout the other night (wait was longer than they said- boooo!)- hot and sour soup, BBQ… Read more
  • 4.0 star rating
    11/22/2009

    I used to live nearby and noticed that well-liked Vella was gone.  I was curious as to what could have suddenly replaced it.  I was intrigued to learn of the Latin Korean fusion as I am a fan of both.

    I had the BBQ kogi.  I was not disappointed.  The smell coming out of the carry out bag was very appetizing.  I thought it was very good, especially the meat.  I would definitely eat it again.  I wouldn't call it a sandwich, its really BBQ kogi w/ pita.  When a restaurant says "no substitutions please" I would expect them to do the assembly.  At $10 its a little more expensive than I than it should be when you make it a sandwich.  Make it an entree and the price is right. The positives far outweigh the negatives and I would recommend this dish.  I look forward to trying another dish.

    Free street parking can often be found just south of Belly shack on Western or Moffat.  The hours posted here as of this review are incorrect.  Belly Shack is open till 10 PM on a Sunday night.  My takeout order was ready in less than 10 minutes.

  • 3.0 star rating
    11/22/2009

    I agree with many of the other reviewers about this place.  I'd heard about Belly Shack through the typical foodie media (blogs, TastingTable, Time Out Chicago, etc) and decided to go with a friend for a casual Sunday night dinner.

    The decor is minimal but urban and cozy.  The lighting is very minimal, so if you were driving by you might not even realize it was open, especially because it is more or less hidden under the El tracks.  The small number of people inside on this Sunday night also probably didn't help.  But that was to our advantage.

    I had the Korean BBQ Kogi sammich.  It was the typical bulgogi beef with a small amount of kimchee on the side, and four pita squares for you to fill yourself.  Tasty and satisfying, yes.  But nothing you can't do at home yourself with decent Korean bulgogi and pita.  My friend had the blackened tilapia sammich.  I'm not huge fan of tilapia, but I had a bit of his and it was pretty good.

    We had the hot and sour soup and roasted squash as sides.  The soup tasted more like a standard tortilla chicken soup.  I couldn't taste much of  "hot and sourness" that I expected (thought it would be more of the chinese hot and sour soup taste).  But I really liked the roasted squash with maple syrup and pho spices.  I couldn't make out the pho spices in the first few bites I had, but after going back to the dish from having some soup, the spices really came out.  I enjoyed the contrast of the spices with the sweetness of the syrup and squash itself.

    Gave it 3 stars for some of the same reasons others did.  Prices are a bit high considering its counter service (especially the sandwiches-$10 each) but some of the combinations of Asian and Latin flavors were quite surprising.  Not a place I would go out of the way for dinner on busy nights, but if I were in the area and had a taste for a light but flavorful meal, I'd stop by again.

    Next time will try the tostones; I hadn't researched enough of what to eat before I went this first time.

  • 4.0 star rating
    12/5/2010
    2 check-ins

    4-stars, cuz thus far I AM a fan...of the food.  I agree with Cat -- the overall experience left a lot to be desired.  I went for a late lunch on a Sunday (after 1:30PM if I recall), and it was PACKED.  So much for "fast food", or even finding a seat....as I entered, I was intercepted by a very nice young lady, one of the servers I believe, who was acting as hostess.  She found me a seat very quickly...but, all of the parties of 3 and 4 behind me had a 30 minute wait at the least.  The center communal table was monopolized by 20 young Koreans who just sat there and chatted.  And chatted. And chatted.  And chatted.  No food (I think they were done well before I got there).  And, diners waiting on a seat just piled up.  And, there were two large parties of eight who were also just loitering (hipsters....go figure).  Be patient when you go....you WILL be waiting, if you decide to eat there.  

    So, now for the food.  As it was just me, I only ordered one dish -- #1 Korean BBQ beef (with kimchi, ssam paste, scallions, and served with flat bread).  I'm going go out on a limb here and tell my fellow Yelpers that the kim chi is possibly the best I've ever had (not having been to Korea, I think I can say that).  They make it themselves, and it is delicious.  Spicy, sour, crunchy, briny.  Wonderful...would've loved to have taken home a jar.  For me, that alone was 3.5 stars.  The BBQ beef was basically bulgogi.  But, with flatbread?  A bowl of rice would've been preferable (apparently they also offer rice bowls, but, that was not obvious).  At least I could make little sandwiches with the beef and kim chi.  The beef was flavorful, and really did remind me of good bulgogi...that day, it was a bit salty, but being a salt freak, that was okay with me.  I have no idea what ssam paste is...and, the word "paste" is just to un-appetizing.  I would order this again....bring it home...and cook a pot of rice to with it.

    Please understand, my 4-star rating is generous. The hostess/server/bus girl was so nice.  The fellow at the register, although initially unfriendly, turned out to be a nice fellow.  I want to come back and have the hot and sour soup and possibly one of the sandwiches.  The joint seems more Korean than Latino.....I will update as soon as I can return.

  • 4.0 star rating
    1/7/2012

    Just ate there this afternoon, and the Yelp rating didn't disappoint. I have the meatball sandwich which was amazing! If you are in the area and need a snack, this is worth the time and money!

  • 4.0 star rating
    10/18/2011

    Delicious food for such a reasonable price! The french fries are terrific and the rest was yummy too! Def a treasure right under the Western L stop!

  • 5.0 star rating
    2/8/2010

    Who cares that there is stupid stuff on the walls.  Who cares that the decor is spartan.  The food is amazing!  The sauce on the pork ribs special is the best BBQ sauce I've ever had.  Truely unique stuff.

    I've also had the meatballs, noodle salad, and Korean BBQ beef sandwich.  I loved them all.

  • 5.0 star rating
    9/2/2011
    Listed in Best of the US

    Awesome creative menu. Unassuming the under-the-bridge location. Cool atmosphere. Generous portions. Jake-o-tron your endlessly good recommendations just ensured the best Chicago visit ever.

  • 4.0 star rating
    11/7/2009
    1 check-in
    Listed in Top Restaurants

    Went there last night with some friends.  We had the hot & sour soup, tostones, brussel spouts & chorizo, bbq koji sandwich (w/ kimchi), tilapia sandwich, and soft serve w/ bacon and chocolate and cookies.  I can't really say anything negative about our meal.  Basically everyone at the table licked their plates clean and left very very full.  I'm trying to think what the standout at the meal was and am having difficulty.  Everyone seemed to enjoy everything, but each person had their favorites.  

    The one thing I'll say is that the ambiance kind of bothered everyone in my party... and their website kind of sucks.  The food is so happy-flavored and vibrant and the space is just not.  Also, I have fears about how cold that place is going to get in the winter.  Perhaps they should set up some sort of waiting system with Green Eye?  

    Very good.  Welcome welcome.

  • 4.0 star rating
    3/21/2010

    Vegetarian sandwich was quite good, and I was impressed with the plantain substitute for bread. Plenty of seating so I didn't feel pressured to eat and run.

    Would probably return more often if they had more veggie options.

  • 5.0 star rating
    10/7/2011
    1 check-in

    Awesome.  Try it if you like fusion foods.  Korea meets puerto Rico.  Byob.

Belly Shack - 227 Photos - Latin American - Logan Square - Chicago, IL - Reviews - Menu - Yelp
 

Recommended Reviews

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  • 4.0 star rating
    11/21/2011
    1 check-in

    Hot and Sour soup with chicken and hominy is must have! Overall, the food was very good.  I had the brussel sprouts with chorizo, very tasty.  Had the boriqua which was good but not as tasty as the first time I had it and it seemed to be prepared a little sloppyish (the paper wrapping seemed to find it's way into the inside of the plantains. Overall, the staff was very friendly and to my surprise, the SOUP was the best dish of the night!

  • 4.0 star rating
    11/17/2009

    As big fans of Urban Belly, my friend decided it was time for us to try the Korean/Latin fusion at Belly Shack. We were not disappointed.

    Once we got there and checked out the menu, we decided to strategically get a few things and split them so we could try as much as possible without stretching our budget. We ended up deciding on:

    -the Korean BBQ Kogi, which was flavorful and filling.
    -the tostones....a huge portion for only $5 (in fact, we ended up taking home the leftovers). I would definitely recommend these!
    -hot & sour soup with hominy, chicken and cilantro, which was really fantastic and will be great to have in the winter.
    -Vietnamese cinnamon" caramel ice cream, which was the only disappointment. We assumed it would be cinnamon flavored ice cream, but alas, it was boring vanilla with a few shakes of cinnamon on top. Bummer.

    A few people sitting by us were having the roasted squash with maple syrup and pho spices and it looked amazing. I'm definitely trying that next time!

    Overall, interesting menu, good service, and conveniently located right under the Western blue line stop. I'll be back.

  • 4.0 star rating
    2/23/2013

    Great food, limited menu. Laid back atmosphere. Great place to stop in and grab some great food when you don't want to have a super fancy sit-down dinner. Definitely worth a visit.

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/2/2010

    Major compliments:
    - Korean BBQ
    - Lemon Grass Chicken
    - Addicting fries
    Overall, they do the food just right and we were impressed with the quality and taste.  We'll definitely come back.

    Minor complaint:
    - greasy plantains
    - price (it's definitely worth trying at least once and maybe going to once in a while or when we have visitors, but it's a pretty hefty bill for the kind of food)

    We'll keep this place in our back pocket as a unique and  fun place to go.  Like I said, the food is great and leaves a great impression on how the flavors work well together!

  • 4.0 star rating
    10/27/2009 Updated review

    I'm currently sitting on my couch watching "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown." In front of me are the remnants of a pretty damn good meal.

    Yes, I visited Belly Shack again. I fell victim after I failed to realize it was closed on Mondays and couldn't go with the lady yesterday for a dinner date. Tonight, it was just nasty out, and I couldn't bring myself to go home and cook.

    So I stopped into the muchly hyped restaurant and ordered take-out. I ordered the Asian Meatball sandwich again. Still yummy.

    This  time though, I got the much talked about Hot and Sour soup. Chicken/Hominy/Hot and Sour with tortilla chips. Maybe it's Charlie Brown...but this made me miss home and my grandfather's hot and sour that I drank as a little girl. Though this soup has nothing on his, it was delicious. I am obviously biased to the traditional hot and sour (being Chinese and all) but this was just great! Sad to say, I have not had Hot and Sour as good in Chicago at an actual Chinese restaurant. To all you Southerners....Mian Gan (Cantonese spelling??)...but, you know, the dried/fried noodles that come with soup in an American-Chinese restaurant...well, think of the tortilla strips as a trendy version of those. Yum yum yum and definitely made me nostalgic. I will definitely be back to at least get the soup bc of those things. (Call me a dork.)

    The place was pretty packed for a Tuesday night, which I think is due to the hype it's gotten recently. I had to wait about 15-20 minutes food, but I think it was ready in less because I ran across the street to the tea shop, and it was ready by the time I came back. Only complaint...it is a bit pricey for what you get. My meal was around $14 and I left a $2 carry-out tip....at least this time I'm really full. So 4 stars is my final decision.

    Ugh...I don't know if I'm going to be able to leave Charlie Brown and go out tonight. At least I worked out tonight. Ha.

    4.0 star rating
    10/21/2009 Previous review
    Mmmm....

    Puerto Rican + Korean/Asian food = Yes, please, says my Southern self. BYOB.....yes, please,…
    Read more
  • 4.0 star rating
    1/10/2010

    So i came to this place on a whim. It was conveniently located right underneath the Western Blue line stop and I've been meaning to try this place since it was DD&D. It was definitely solid good food.

    I had split the lemongrass chicken and the Korean BBQ sammich with a friend. The Korean BBQ wasn't anything special. I have Korean BBQ all the time, so I wasn't too impressed. However, the lemongrass chicken was what surprised me the most. After eating the first sammich, I wasn't expecting much from the other.

    However, the lemongrass chicken was quite delicious. What made it even better was the ripe papaya fish sauce it came with. I don't think I would've liked the dish that much if it wasn't for that sauce.

    All in all, it was good. Wasn't the best sandwiches I had ever eaten, but definitely real tasty, and I plan on going back when I'm in the mood to try the other stuff on the menu.

  • 2.0 star rating
    11/7/2009

    I ordered the tilapia sandwich.  It was an inappropriately heated piece of fish on top of dry foccacia-like bread.  I was totally unimpressed by the presentation, and the overall taste was just "dry".  Way too much dry bread, such that it's all you taste. And the fish was very very salty.  

    The roof of my mouth was burned worse than it ever has been after eating the fish.  It was very uncomfortable to eat for the next 2 days because of the burn.  Food shouldn't be served at such a severe temperature without a good warning.  

    The tostones appetizer was the best part of the meal.  

    Overall, more style than substance.

  • 5.0 star rating
    5/10/2010

    The asian meatballs were really really good.  I had the side of sweet potatoes, which were good, if not spectacular.  

    I can't wait to go back.

  • 3.0 star rating
    1/21/2012

    Belly Shack is a great place to pop in for lunch, especially when exiting the blue line and in need of sustenance. I prefer to have lunch here because the food is light, and doesn't leave me with an unbearable mid-day food coma.
    On a recent visit, we ordered the $3.00 edemame to start. It was very flavorful, with a thick teryaki orange zest and cilantro sauce.
    For my meal, I went with the plantain tofu sandwich. This comes wrapped in parchment, but don't bother to try to eat it as a sandwich. I deconstructed mine, which made it much easier to eat.
    The components of aren't too complex, but the flavors come together nicely, and most importantly, lightly.
    This is a great place to stop in for a light, casual lunch and the prices are fair, comparable to any lunch spot...but here there is a great fusion of Asian spice and flare with standards like hot dogs or meatballs.
    And, of course, vegetarian options are available, so mixed friends and couples can enjoy it together.

  • 4.0 star rating
    11/29/2009

    I was really excited about Belly Shack from reading all the reviews. I had the BBQ sammich that everyone was raving about and their blonde brownie dessert which was wonderful..but the there's a vietnamese sanwich ( banh mi thit noung) that is as good and half the price at nhu lan bakery. All around it's a pretty cool place to have a taste of Asian infuse food.
    Oh, and there little Asian drinks are way too small, if you're thirsty you are better off getting a regular drink.

  • 3.0 star rating
    6/17/2010

    It was...good. I ordered the Korean BBQ Kogi sandwich and the Greens.  The sammich was good, but for the price I wish I had gone to get a Bibm Bop at a Korean joint. The Greens were cool, but so oily I couldnt let myself finish them.  

    All in all, good flavors, too expensive.

  • 5.0 star rating
    10/31/2012

    Best curry fries, ever! If you want to try something new and different eat these fries with the curry dip!

  • 4.0 star rating
    11/17/2009

    There are few things in this world that I enjoy more than watching "Commando" for the 527th time on my couch with my Snuggie -- a small, chill BYOB place is one of those things. I've been here twice, and I'm a fan.

    The wait on a Friday night was about 20 min, but my buddies and I cracked open some Lagunitas' and we were fine. The wait on Sunday afternoon was nothing.  

    Food:
    Hot and Sour soup - If it were socially acceptable, I would eat cilantro 24/8 (that's not a typo) - and they loaded the cilantro on. So that's OK in my book

    We all shared the BBQ Kogi, the blackened tilapia, tostones, brussel sprouts and chorizo, and squash with sweet potatoes.

    I think the side plates are the highlight of this place. The chorizo and brussel sprouts was my favorite dish. Similar to hiphop artists-turned-actors, brussel sprouts get a bad rap these days. But hey, who didn't love Ice Cube in "Friday"? And don't even get me started on the genius of Tone-Loc in "Ace Ventura".  Tostones - amazing sauce. The squash and sweet potatoes were a bit too sweet, but they reminded me of Thanksgiving, which is always nice....mmm Turkey.

    The BBQ Kogi was great - personally I could have used a bit more kick, but tasty nonetheless. The tilapia was good, but I think it is better without the bread as a lot of the flavor is lost (a thought which was shared by the person behind me with celiac sprue).

    Drinks:
    BYOB - enough said.

    All in all, a great place to go with some of your more chill friends. It is a pretty gritty/cafeteria atmosphere which is kinda cool. I'm definitely coming back, maybe next time with my snuggie.

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/25/2012
    Listed in Celeb Chefs

    The bf recently moved about 3 blocks away from Belly Shack which gave us the perfect excuse to try it on a hungover Saturday morning. We were lucky that the restaurant was not crowded and we were able to order immediately. Our food came out in about 5 minutes or so. The bf ordered the hot dog, which was the perfect combination of textures and flavors. It was topped with crunchy noodles and the casing was crisp. I ordered the Boricua sandwich, which used plantains instead of bread. I chose to have it filled with tofu. It ended up being a little too sweet for me but still delicious. Our side of brussels sprouts with chorizo was huge and delicious too. You know that this sugar-a-holic couldn't leave without trying the homemade soft serve ice cream. I opted for the vanilla ice cream topped with pastry chef Mindy Segal's mint brownie. It was out of control delicious. I even had to fend off my boyfriend from trying to eat it all. Delicious and unique, I think Belly Shack will continue to deliver quality food at reasonable prices.

  • 4.0 star rating
    12/17/2010

    An interesting mix of vibrant flavors.  I really enjoyed all that I tried to eat.  I had the organic rice bowl with chicken and it definitely had a kick, and a great mix of flavors.  The tostones were awesome! I love plain, salted tostones, but the seasonings on these were amazing.  The fries were delicious as well.  The restaurant itself is not too comfortable, the atmosphere is not too welcoming and the seats are backless stools.  You order at the counter, but the table service is good.  Overall, totally worth it for the food and flavor experience.  I'm excited to try the ice cream next time and to try out their other restaurant, Urban Belly.

  • 4.0 star rating
    5/22/2011

    This review is based strictly off of the tasting I had at the lincoln park chill and grill. They had a steak cilantro and quinoa salad. the steak had a wonderful marinade..wish I could get the recipe! Recipe was available via text..however it wouldn't work. I have it bookmarked to try sometime!

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/21/2011

    Sooooo good and so original. The fusion of the Puerto Rican and Korean flavors have never met in matrimony as this place has. The tostones were delicious! A welcoming explosion of garlic and cilantro. Must go back. So many different things I can't wait to try.

  • 4.0 star rating
    12/29/2009

    Very nice, but the stools are lame. What exactly do I do with my coat in winter?

    BBQ sandwich is good and the kimchee spice level is nicely moderated for american tastes. I personally liked the the meatball sandwich with spicey noodles better. Pita bread for sandwiches is  awesome.

    Squash was very good. Chorizo/sprouts is a nice dish but a little too rich/flavorful to eat alone - better to share with a group so you each get a taste.

    Ya, ya, it costs more than Panera but so what. Are you really gonna cook this stuff at home?

  • 5.0 star rating
    8/23/2013

    Just read through some reviews. I think some people think that they are awarding Michelin stars here.  Bottom line:  This is a cool spin on a typical fast food menu.  What they do, is done VERY well.  They do an Asian and Latin fusion version of a few Chicago favorites including a hot dog, Italian beef along with other inspired dishes.  Yum.  If you are somewhat adventurous you are in the right place!  The chorizo brussel sprouts are delicious and I hate brussel sprouts!  The belly dog is fantastic - start here if this is your first time.  Try the fries if for no other reason than to try the curry mayo.  The meatball sandwich is huge and tasty.  Be aware that you are eating pork and the texture is not what you may be used to in a meatball.  Lots of interesting drink choices too. And, the fries ARE exciting.  Who else sprinkles fries with togareshi and gives you a curry mayo dipping sauce?

  • 4.0 star rating
    6/22/2011
    3 check-ins

    Went their for a quickish lunch. Had the togarashi fries and the bbq beef. I love the curry may with the fries and the spice of the fries as well. Mice blend of slat and spice to it and the fries are done perfectly. The bbq beef with kimchi was a bit above average. Not as good as I remember the last time. It is BYOB so that can be a plus. The people working there are pretty on top of stuff and cheery which is always nice. I would like to see a little more change in their menu between visits but the food is definitely good quality and will keep me coming back.

  • 4.0 star rating
    11/28/2009

    I miss Vella a LOT.

    Memories aside, I was not displeased when I made my first visit to Belly Shack.  Between my group of one vegetarian (me) and two carnivores, we tried the lemongrass chicken sandwich, the Korean BBQ sandwich, and the Boriqua, which was amazing though dripping with oil.  My companions both raved about their sandwiches as well.

    We tried the roasted squash, tostones, and the brussel sprouts with chorizo for sides.  The roasted squash was PERFECT - the seasoning was subtle and let the sweetness of the squash through, and it was served inside a miniature pumpkin - adorable.  The tostones were good though I would not recommend ordering them with the Borqicua, which uses sliced plantains in place of bread.  Fried plantain overload between the sandwich and the tostones.

    For dessert, each of us tried a different soft serve - our table had the bacon chocolate, the mint brownie, and the Vietnamese caramel, which was easily the best of the three.  I thought the food was great, the decor so-so (after the brightness of Vella, the dining room felt very dark to me) and the staff was lovely.  Will definitely be back!

  • 4.0 star rating
    2/6/2010

    I went here for lunch with a friend and left with a smile on my face.  I liked the casual setting and steel-urban decor (although I could envision it getting a bit crazy around dinner time since the place itself isn't that big).  My friend and I took at least 5 minutes to look over the menu and then decide what to get-- not because the menu is huge, but what options they had sound so tasty that it was hard to make up our minds!

    But here is what I ended up getting:

    Hot n' Sour Soup:  Your traditional hot and sour soup with a hit a cilantro thrown in.  The soup was a perfect complement to the January weather outside, but I'm a girl who likes hot food, so I would have appreciated more of a kick from it.

    Korean BBQ Beef Kogi Sammich:  Their approach to sandwiches is a build-it-yourself method.  The beef was delicious and I loved the thick fluffy pita bread I was given to create my sandwich.  The sandwich was also served with a side of kimchi, which was good, but I wanted spicier kimchi!!

    Brussel Sprouts  with Chorizo: Amazing blend of flavors and textures.  Who knew brussel sprouts could be so good??

    Bacon & Chocolate Chip Soft Serve: I'll admit I was a little skeptical about how this would turn out, but I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed the sweet/salty mix.  The vanilla soft serve was sweet and creamy and was a good contrast to the butterscotch-coated pieces of bacon.

    My friend had the huckleberry-lime soft serve, which was equally full of delicious contrasting flavors.

    I'm looking forward to my next trip to try out the other tasty options on the menu!

  • 4.0 star rating
    12/9/2012

    I have dined in and carried out. Both times the food has been pretty tasty with some very interesting flavors. Small menu but be sure to ask about the specials. BYOB!

  • 5.0 star rating
    11/24/2009

    I really, really liked bellyshack. I had always been a fan of urban belly, but i always left really full and sort of unsettled.  I had read some mixed reviews on bellyshack, so I was a bit skeptical, but after numerous urbanbelly and bill kim experiences I didn't think we could go wrong by giving it a try.  I was particularly chilly the evening we went in, so I immediately went for the hot and sour soup.  I LOVED this soup. I coiuld have eaten 3 bowls of it.  It was so dynamic, hitting the palate on many different levels, both texturally and by taste.  I highly suggest it.

    I also tried the quinoa lettuce wraps, which would be great on a summer day when you're looking for something really light. I'm always up for some quinoa though, I just love the way the superfood leaves you feeling, AND it came with some yummy dipping sauces, so i'd ordered it again.  Boyfriend got the korean bbq sandwich, and the meat was excellent and super tender.  Strongly suggest this place for a casual, cheap and GOOD dinner!!!

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/28/2011

    I finally was able to try this place after hearing all the hype for a long time.  The Asian Pork Meatball sandwich was really good.  The combination of meatball, noodles, and Korean chili paste was unique but went well together.  The Korean BBQ Beef was solid.  I thought it was good and my wife thought it was ok but she has high standards of Bulgolgi.  The best thing we had was the Togarashi Spiced Fries!  The fries were crispy with a unique seasoning.  The curry mayonnaise was so good.  I would go back just to get these fries again.

  • 4.0 star rating
    12/8/2011

    Went here with my family. My mother is Korean, and she loved the place. Even my picky eater of a husband enjoyed it. We all got either the meatball sandwich, the special, or the Boricua with beef. Everything was fantastic, including the kimchi and spiced fries. We received excellent service, and will definitely be returning soon!

  • 4.0 star rating
    5/17/2011

    YUM YUM YUM.

    The fries are the best fusion food item I have eaten in a long time!!!

    I enjoyed my Korean BBQ sandwich and look forward to trying others. I wish I had been more hungry to eat some dessert!

  • 4.0 star rating
    3/12/2011

    All is good at Belly Shack. The food, from tostones, to togarashi fries, to the Korean bbq are all really, really good. The comfortably sparse spot below the el is just right. The people that work the counter are great, and helpful with suggestions and info. The price, is one of the best parts - you can eat great food and plenty of it for $10-$15. These things all make me very happy.

  • 3.0 star rating
    6/25/2011

    People have been telling me that this restaurant is a must try restaurant. I went here hungry for food and got my food. There should have been a better reaction from the food since I was starving, but still I only thought the food was mediocre. I went with other people and I tried about 6 menu items, but all were just a-ok.

  • 4.0 star rating
    11/18/2010

    Stopped in here the other day for a quick bite at the recommendation of my cousin.

    Korean and latin fusion fast food joint. Pretty good.

    I tried the Belly Dog, topped with kimchi and noodles with flatbread - weird combination but sooo good.

    It comes with fries which are super addicting - I forget what spices they use. It comes with a curry mayo (?) dipping sauce which is surprisingly good since I'm not a fan of curry.

    Definitely very filling.

    Will definitely be back to try other stuff on the menu!

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/18/2011

    While the atmosphere and location aren't super fancy, the food was really tasty - creative and fresh. They are BYOB, but next time I'll get take-out.

  • 5.0 star rating
    10/19/2010

    Belly dog and boricua= yummy to my tummy.  Nuf said =)

  • 4.0 star rating
    11/8/2009

    Went to Belly Shack for an early dinner last night and it was awesome! I love, love, love Urban Belly so I was excited to try this place. It absolutely met my expectations.

    I had the hot and sour soup. I have a bit of a cold so the warm, slightly spicy broth was perfect. When I was done I wanted to order another bowl! We shared the tostones and the roasted squash. The tostones were really great, I wanted to order more of them too! The squash was just okay. My  friend had the tilapia sandwich, which she said was very good but didn't have "enough going on." My boyfriend had the boricua, and found that he needed to open it up and eat it with a fork. He said it reminded him of Cuban food. We shared the cinnamon caramel ice cream (I wanted bacon chocolate chip, but was vetoed).

    I'm looking forward to going back and trying other things on the menu, like the Asian meatball sandwich and the brussel sprouts with chorizo.  While I really liked Belly Shack, Urban Belly is more the kind of food that I like (I also live a few blocks away, so it's easier to get to). However, I am am loving the trend in Chicago towards fast fancy food. We were talking about how it must be fun for a chef to make awesome food that is accessible to everyone without having to deal with all of the pretentious fine dining stuff. $11 is totally worth it to me to eat something innovative and special, which is what they do at Belly Shack.

  • 4.0 star rating
    8/6/2011

    Seriously, how can such a small menu pack this much flavor.  The belly dog was orgasmic.  Served with fries and curry dipping sauce.  I drove past this place forever!  Not since the Busy Bee and Demon Dogs (RIP) has the underbelly of the CTA provided such tasty fare.  Cannot wait to get back.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/21/2011 Updated review

    Updating to increase the rating to 5 stars, largely on my ever-growing love for the Korean Beef Sandwich and the Togarashi Fries. Nom nom nom! See you soon, Belly Shack!

    4.0 star rating
    5/13/2010 Previous review
    Tonight was my first time at this place, and I was really happy with it, despite some ill-advised… Read more
  • 4.0 star rating
    9/1/2011

    This place is much more creative than its sister Urban Belly.  It is certainly a place to try and enjoy the different techniques and flavor profiles in each dish.  Like its sister, it is also on the pricier side from what you'd expect from a smaller restaurant, but the quality is top-notch.  I very much enjoyed the brussel sprouts and chorizo as a side.

  • 3.0 star rating
    1/27/2011
    1 check-in

    A bit spare, not really a comfortable space to hang out. I had the BBQ beef which was mediocre, I've had much better for less at other restaurants. The kimchi wasn't spicy enough and the fries were a bit mushy when we went. Just an okay experience.

  • 4.0 star rating
    3/18/2010

    I'll start by saying I can't go within a mile radius of Urban Belly without getting sick from the thought of my first and last meal there. So why I even stepped foot inside Belly Shack I have no idea. I was shocked when the food I ordered was good - I even went back again. Had the beef bulgogi, squash and the current/lime softserve. I do think the food is overpriced but so is Urban Belly - at least the food here is good.

  • 5.0 star rating
    11/11/2009

    I was eagerly awaiting the opening of this place since I live in the neighborhood and walk by it every day to and from work.  Now that it's open, the smell as I walk home makes it hard to not walk in for dinner every day.  My boyfriend and I went a few days after they opened and were nervous about not giving it a few weeks to get the kinks out.  We learned that wasn't necessary.  They had it all worked out by day 1.

    Yes, the menu is a bit limited and I'm hoping it will change seasonally.  We ordered the bbq beef, the lemongrass chicken and the tostones.  The food comes when it's ready but that didn't bother us.  The tostones were amazing!  There's usually nothing bad you can say about fried plantains and the chimichurri sauce on top just took them to the next level.  The sandwiches are sort of deconstructed as in the bread comes on the side.  I liked being able to try the meat separately and with the bread.  I found both sandwiches absolutely delicious.  We were too full from dinner to get dessert but we will definitely be back to try all the toppings offered.

    I can see where people think it's a bit pricey but I don't think it's unreasonable.  The ingredients are all super fresh and prepared perfectly.  We spent probably $25 for the two of us for dinner.   I'm ok with that.  And the fact that it's BYOB makes it even better.

    I hope the success of this place will get other restaurants to open up in the area.  Currently we seem to only have Mexican and Cuban places (which are delicious) but I'm looking for some more variety.

  • 3.0 star rating
    11/11/2009

    Good, but not great.  I ordered the meatball sandwich and Korean BBQ and both were solid, but probably not worth the 15 minute drive.  The menu is a tad limited for now, but hopefully that changes a bit.  Unique flavors and the bread was great, but there isn't an immediate wow factor.  I wish it were a little warmer on the day I went so that I could try the ice cream, but had to pass on account for the temp.

    The interior decor is pretty cool - an industrial feel - making for a good atmosphere.

Belly Shack - 227 Photos - Latin American - Logan Square - Chicago, IL - Reviews - Menu - Yelp
 

Recommended Reviews

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  • 3.0 star rating
    4/17/2011

    Interesting menu, but I wasn't in love.  I liked everything, generally speaking, and I had a hard time finding anything to order that sounded good.  I know it is totally different, but I will schlep to Urban Belly.

  • 5.0 star rating
    5/15/2012

    Minimalist interior, but the food was delicious, especially for the price.

  • 3.0 star rating
    10/29/2009

    Everything was grey on the day I went to Belly Shack for lunch. Drizzling rain and rumbling trains matched the decor quite nicely, but there is an unfinished quality to the interior design of this place which is unnerving. It looks like they either wanted to go with an urban biking aesthetic or a deconstructed aesthetic and made a compromise between the two to the detriment of each. I thought the egg crate foam on the ceiling was a really neat touch, but it made me miss the clean and cheery lines of the erstwhile Vella Cafe.

    I got take-out for myself and a co-worker and the food was all very tasty. I got the lemon grass chicken and ordered him the meatballs. The bread was really good and though I thought it was strange for them to add the lemon grass to chicken like a slaw, it was still pretty good when I put it all together in my mouth.

    I was confused by the menu with the desert options. I thought I was getting a brownie topped with ice cream [frogurt?] and not the other way around. I will not be repeating this mistake. The frozen dairy treat is just like the vanilla ice cream at McDonalds across the street and the brownie bits, while super tasty, aren't plentiful enough to justify the expense. If I want to spend $4 well on ice cream, I'll go to Margie's just up the block.

    They do offer gluten-free meals; so I'll be back another time. I think they just have a bit of a growing phase to get through.

  • 4.0 star rating
    8/4/2011

    Really good, solid good.  Few items on the menu that are done very well.  Quick service, reasonably priced.  No corkage fees on the BYOB is pretty great too!

  • 5.0 star rating
    8/30/2011

    Went here after dinner at urban belly. Just had the soft serve. The toppings were unique and great. Tuesday night just before 9 and the owner was there!
    If we hadn't had so much grt food at urban belly we would have tried a few things.
    Grt soft serve and toppings

  • 4.0 star rating
    10/20/2009

    There is a mix of people who like and dislike Bill Kim's flagship store, Urban Belly, (I being on the side of like), but I dislike that I live now much further away from said restaurant. So imagine my happiness when I hear of a new place opening up closer. Um yay! And this one is a twisted version...

    Mix cuisines can be a difficult and quite often nasty combination. However this new mix of Puerto Rician and Asian flair... well stop me dead in my tracks, slap me upside the head and call me later. (If you get a voice mail, just leave me a message, I will get back to you as soon as I can.) Excited? Yes. Intrigued? Fo' sho'. Starving to the point of weak standing and light headedness? Kinda. Could have been the leg workout I did earlier. The place was popping, the layout simple, the idea, counter service and then sit yourself down and wait for your food to be brought out to you.... or like me, a carry out.

    The menu is small, but packed with Latin twists with some good Asian panache. Sammiches, (yes... they are called smirches, about five of them), one soup, two salads, about five sides and several desserts and drinks. I was starving, so I needed to throw down the hammer and order a good amount. Well, I had no hammer so I went with just walking in and ordering. I went with the BBQ Kogi beef and the Asian meatball sammich, brussel sprouts and tostones. I couldn't wait to get home. The smell was filling my car, my nose, my head which was making me all starving even more, so when I got home, I quickly laid down everything and laid the food out. Grabbing several napkins I went to town.

    The BBQKB was the best out of the bunch. The beef was tender for the most part through out, flavor was definitely there,  though it was four slices of flat bread with a mesh of beef on the side with kimchi. Oh darn, like I minded....  the Asian meatball was pretty good, but I kept feeling like it needed something, perhaps a sauce or something, it seemed slightly dry in a way. Perhaps its my memory of a meatball sandwich having some marinara sauce. The brussel sprouts... yes, I said brussel sprouts. Those nasty little things I had as a kid, those little nasty cabbages I hated, well... if my mom had made them like this, perhaps I would have liked them better. What made them that way? Chorizo. Lots of it. Fab. Total fab. And then the tostones, fried twice green plantains They were good, crispy and well fried but a little salty and I wish it came with more chimichuri sauce, but really I was happy.

    My belly is happy, my body is happy so that makes me happy. The space is simple but nice, the food is great, the service was great, the prices were fine, many of the mains were around the $9 to $11 range. I can't wait to try their hot and sour soup, (hominy and Asian spices), and the quinoa salad.

    And the desserts.

    And the Korean BBQ beef sandwich.

    And the desserts...

    crap... I have to go work out and work all this off before my next trip... the sacrifices I make...

  • 4.0 star rating
    5/16/2010

    I was very, very, very against the Belly Shack when they first opened. So much so that, even though it's near my hood and I pass it every single day, I did not so much as consider going in until about a month ago. Why the bad attitude? I loooooooved Vella. It was all I could think about on Saturdays, and it was one of the few places I would go to by myself. Sitting alone? Who cares? That food was my crack.
    So fast forward to last month. After an exhausting day of work and school, I was starved and couldn't imagine spending the five minutes it would have taken to make a sandwich at home. In my moment of weakness, I stopped at the Belly Shack and went in. So the decor is obviously very different from Vela- honestly, I'm not crazy about it. It's trying a little to hard to live up to the "urban" part of its name. Gray is not a color that incites my hunger.
    However, once I bit into my Belly Dog (a special on Thursdays I think), I forgave the decor. I'm not usually a big fan of fusion- just leave well enough alone for godssake- but these flavors actually worked. Good spice level, though it's a mess to eat (don't order this if you're on a first date!).
    The tostones are also a success--the chimichurri had plenty of flavor and the tostones were fried to perfection.
    Although the food was wonderful, I have to dock a star for the prices- for a place that's so "urban," they are definitely not catering to the Humbolt Park urban dwellers.
    Although I may always harbor a little resentment towards the Belly Shack for replacing my beloved Vella, I can't deny the quality of the food. Just close your eyes to block out the trying-too-hard decor and the food will speak for itself.

  • 4.0 star rating
    5/2/2011

    I loved the jibarito & Korean bbq. Definitely an interesting menu. Enjoy!

  • 4.0 star rating
    11/21/2010

    I just got the Boricua plantain sandwich..so good. Im pretty sure it is high in calories. The plaintain is the bread and it is fried.  It is really delicious though. It comes with a sweet sauce. Like I said it isnt the least caloric meal and if you are watching your calories then you might want to bypass this one.  It is gluten free and vegan. I jstu got it because it sounded good. Im sure ill be craving this for awhile!

  • 2.0 star rating
    2/26/2010

    Thorougly unimpressed.  I ordered the Boricua sandwich, last night, and it was, hands down, the greasiest sandwich that I have ever been served in my life.  Didn't care that I paid 9 buck for it, either; I ditched the second half knowing that the grease was turning my stomach and that the bulk of flavor in the sandwich was derived from the sauce, anyhow, as opposed to from the other ingredients.  The fries that were part of the daily special menu were also ho-hum at best and another menu item that relied exclusively on the fairly excitement-free curry sauce with which it was served.  My first and last visit.

  • 5.0 star rating
    8/25/2012

    Top 5 fav restaurant in all of Chicagoland.  Such a value, fast for how delicious and fresh it is - it's really unlike any other place, we take out of town friends there all the time.  I love the #1, but eat is ALL.  Fries cannot be missed.  Or the caramel ending.

  • 5.0 star rating
    11/7/2010

    Love, love, love every thing I've tasted. This is a great spot to pick something up that's fresh, quick and absolutely DELICIOUS! Can't go wrong. Parking is a bit iffy, but perfect location under western blue line stop (near Armitage).

  • 4.0 star rating
    9/21/2010

    This place is pretty rockin. The food is seriously delish. It's pretty much the only place my boyfriend ever wants to eat. The quinoia salad is amazing as is the Korean BBQ sandwich. Last time we were there we tried the ice cream/brownie dessert. Um.....to die for. Get your butt out to Western Ave. and check this place out.

  • 2.0 star rating
    10/17/2011

    Curses.  Belly Shack has been in my bookmarks for a very long time, and I finally made my way over there last week.  I went with a friend and we shared 4 items.  The menu is not huge, but everything is supposed to be amazing.  We started with the somen noodle salad.  That came to the table first.  It was coverd with cilantro.  You may notice from my previous reviews, I despise cilantro.  It said nowhere on the menu description anything about this wretched weed.  I asked her if we could get it without, and she told me there were no substitutions.  Well, shit. Then the fries came out.  This is where the 2nd star comes into place.  They were delicious, served with this curry sauce.  Then came the brussel sprouts and chorizo.  Should be called the brussel sprouts, grease and cilantro. After I scraped off the upper layer of cilantro covered  brussel sprouts, the rest were sitting in a pool of grease.  I know chorizo is not the most lean of meats, but come on.  Then we finished with the organic brown rice with tofu.  It also is coverd with cilantro.  By this time, I just want to cry.  I gave up.  I saw the table next to us have the big hot dog, also covered with cilantro.  Sorry Bill Kim. This girl ain't coming back.

  • 2.0 star rating
    4/9/2011

    I really wanted to like this casual eatery tucked away underneath the Blue line Milwaukee stop. It looked cozy, urban minimalist, a menu inspired by fresh ingredients, and a creation of chef Bill Kim's.  What is not to like?
    I ordered the Brown rice bowl, the togarashi fries and my friend had the Boricua sandwich.  I really liked that they offered brown rice, a nice option for people who are looking for healthy whole grains.  I opted for the tofu as my choice of protein, the other option is chicken or beef.  The tofu was firm and fresh, nice to see that it wasn't the deep fried version.  A thick sauce covered most of the bowl like a blanket and a small serving of kimchi was tucked away on the side.  A scattering of crispy shallots garnished the dish and provided a nice textural crunch to the softness of the tofu.  From the first bite, I knew there would be some trouble finishing this meal.  The sauce was incredibly sweet, to the point where I could feel the sugar burn on my tongue.  It reminded me of a sauce that would be on some generic Chinese fast food dish.  I can appreciate the marriage of sweet and sour flavors, but the sweet factor was way out of balance.  There was no depth to this sauce, no garlic, onion, just syrupy sweet.  There are so many amazing flavors that go into making a great asian sauce; scallion, sesame oil, soy, garlic and ginger.  If there were any of those ingredients in there, I would never know.  You could have dumped some random vegetables, had whatever protein you wanted with a mystery grain and never be able to taste any of it because all you would taste is sweet sauce.  There was no spiciness to this dish even though I did see some red sauce, which I can only guess is their version of Gochujang, a Korean pepper sauce.  I love kimchi, and was hoping that the sour salty flavor would balance out the sweeter flavors, well, keep dreaming, it was a sweet salty slaw.  If I wanted that much sweetness,  I would have ordered dessert.  I wish they would rethink this dish because I think this could be a flavorful and healthy dish on their menu.  The sauce to ingredient ratio was also a bit off as well, a lot of sauce doesn't equal amazing taste.  
    On another note, I did enjoy the togarashi fries, thin crispy and just the right amount of salt.  I wouldn't come back just for the fries.  I will always give establishments another chance and am willing to try other items on the menu before making a final judgement on this place.  I always want great places to succeed, but on great cooking and not just on hipness alone.

  • 2.0 star rating
    3/29/2010

    Meh the perfect description.  I was looking forward to eating here after a friend offered a really positive review, so the GF and I headed over last weekend.  It's not that the food was bad, it was just overpriced and under sized.  I have no problem paying $10 for a sandwich without any sides IF it's damn good... it wasn't.  Overall just unimpressed and disappointed.  I won't be back, unless someone else is picking up the tab!

  • 4.0 star rating
    12/23/2009

    I was a big fan of vella, and having being extremely disappointed by the chef's two other restaurants, I was a bit reluctant to try his newest and having stated all this, I've really enjoyed this place (twice now)! I've gotten the belly dog both times and have tried the BBQ sandwich, many of the sides and the hot and sour soup. I dont know what everyone is talking about the proportions, I think they are great for one or even two to share. I will agree with the sandwiches not being the most cost effective, but the belly dog (which comes with fries) was only 6 bucks and it was definitely a tummy popper.
    The only thing that gets me is the stupid decor and branding. I get it, you're trying to be "urban", it's your namesake, but It's so stupid when you put your menu in txt msg language and "hip hop" decals all over your walls. Also! chop up that huge as table in the middle of your restaurant, it's taking up sooo much seating room.

    Daters beware: the flavors are strong, and it will leaving you wanting a mint afterwards.

  • 3.0 star rating
    9/14/2010
    3 check-ins

    maybe i'll add another star when i eat there again. as it is, this place made me happy and i'll give it a solid 3.

    tostones, korean bbq sandwich, kimchi and i was a happy camper.

    i loove korean food. i've loved it living in LA and sitting at that dreary korean diner counter in ann arbor. i think i'm going to love it here.

  • 5.0 star rating
    11/29/2010

    I like Belly Shack because of its no-nonsense atmosphere, quick efficient service, and interesting menu.  Every dish is creative and unique - not just full of flavor, but packed with fresh ingredients.  

    I enjoyed the hot and sour soup - a generous portion that included chicken and hominy  beans - which could even make a light meal by itself.  The quinoa salad had great sweet and sour contrasts in the accompanying sauces, and the mushrooms that went along with it were especially delicious.

    I want to go back and try the rest of the menu, as there is something for anyone who is willing to try something new...  the chef certainly isn't shy about being creative which makes the experience so unique.

  • 3.0 star rating
    11/11/2009

    i like what belly shack is TRYING to be. actually, i take that back. it actually succeeds in it's own unique branding of cutting edge, pseudo-hipster, biker's club, fonzi meets james dean, grunge garage band, throwback modern diner, liberal shiny happy people in a gray suit under a cloudy sky boy meets world type of way......

    ....at least that's what i got from it the minute i walked in. oh! but before you visit, you should actually visit its website: bellyshack.com.

    cool staff. very friendly, greeted us with smiles, etc etc.
    i had the blackened tilapia with tartar curry which was exceptional..... but after literally 4 bites it was GONE. i've never burned $11buxx that fast in my life! except for when..... ah that's another story... but.

    point is, food portions are excrutiatingly small. belly shack has made out to be the last place i'd think of going if i was starving. altho its conveniently located beneath the western stop blue line, which tempts one to just pop in and grab a good bbq kogi sammich or the lemongrass chicken which has coconut and peanuts. damn good, but again.... you'll swear there's a ghost hanging over your shoulder following you bite for bite....

  • 3.0 star rating
    11/4/2009

    The idea of mixing Asian and Latin flavors in a casual setting has apparently been popular in other places such as L.A.  I was certainly very excited about Belly Shack's opening, since I am a fan of Urban Belly, the other restaurant run by Bill Kim.  The set up here is somewhat similar to Urban Belly's: order up front and they will bring the food to your table.  The downside of running a restaurant operation this way is that things can get a bit chaotic when it gets busy (do I still go ahead and order even if all the tables are taken?).
    Anyways, back to the food. We ordered the Korean BBQ Kogi and Lemongrass Chicken.  The Kogi was served on a pita-like bread.  Though the beef was fairly salty, eating it together with the bread made it more palatable.  The Lemongrass Chicken was the better of the two, with succulent meat and a much more balanced flavor profile.  The one problem I had was that the accompanying bread tasted burnt, even though I could only see light grill marks on it.  Was it supposed to taste this way?  That threw me off a little bit.
    Besides the 2 sandwiches, we also got the Brussel Sprouts with Chorizo side dish.  The addition of tortilla chips added a nice and surprising crunch to it.
    My biggest gripe with Belly Shack is the price.  Though it serves casual street food, the prices were a bit high, especially for their sandwiches.  After all, they were not particularly amazing to justify paying extra.  To satisfy my Asian sandwich cravings, I will stick to Ba Le Bakery's $3.99 banh mi sandwiches, thank you.

  • 5.0 star rating
    1/15/2010

    I can't believe that anybody would give less than a five star vote for Urban Belly.  From the moment I walked in I loved every bit of Urban Belly.  The name Belly Shack, the graffiti,  the metal all screams street food to me.  An exotic new blend of Puerto Rican and Korean flavors that are all new to me.  When ordering the cashier was very friendly and I always enjoy seeing into the kitchen.  
     I ordered the Hot Dog with crispy noodles and kimchi mayo and fried with curry mayo and togarashi spice.  WOW!!! The hot dog was great quality and the flavors popped.  My friend and I also ordered a side of the chorizo Brussels with were to great, only I would tone down a bit on the tortilla strips and do a light garnish with those.  We also ordered the Tofu Jibarito.  Not dry like Mary F. said, and most definitely not bland.  The asian black beans, greens, brown rice, and tofu between two plantains were phenomenal.   What a creative sandwich.   Mindi Segal does a great job with the Soft Serve, we had the bacon Chocolate chip topping.  
     People complain about the price, but you could go to Chipolte for the same price and not get the sheer genious that you get from Chef Kim.  I can't wait to try Urban Belly!

  • 4.0 star rating
    10/30/2009

    I loved my sandwhich.  I had the Boricua. I fully recommend it to my veggie friends.  Yummy. I also had the  squash side, and the shrimp salad.  Both of them were also great.  Belly Shack is the perfect lunch spot.  I  really dug the decor and design of the place.  It's very similar to their other restuarant Urban Belly.  FYI it's BYOB.

  • 4.0 star rating
    12/24/2009

    DELICIOUS.  Better than Urban Belly (a little less heavy).  It's a very small menu (like Urban), but half the menu is rich and delicious vegetarian/gluten-free.  The meatball and cilantro and lemongrass chicken sammiches  were awesome (GREAT bread too).  I love the guinoa salad, but the sprouts...oh, the spicey baby brussels sprouts with chorizo - I'm drooling at the memory.  We got carryout and went to our favorite bar.  The Shack's dining room is as uncomfortable and cold as Vella was...no desire to eat there.  A little pricey, but you are getting quality ingredients and high creativity so no bitching.

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/15/2012

    I first found this place in the Red Eye's cheap eats section, featured for the hot and sour soup.  It's a good soup - different from a traditional Chinese hot and sour, but not my favorite thing on the menu.  I can't go here without ordering the somen noodle salad - it has such a light delicious flavor, and the chips are great! I also recommend the Togarashi fries.  Today was the first day I tried the desserts.  The caramel-cinnamon soft serve was amazing. I'm surprised this place doesn't have an overall 5-star rating.

  • 3.0 star rating
    10/11/2010 Updated review

    Have maintained consistency.   Food is decent.

    2.0 star rating
    2/9/2010 Previous review
    Overpriced. Food lacks flavor. Urban Belly is better executed. Give me Vella's Cafe back anyday.… Read more
  • 3.0 star rating
    11/4/2009

    I love fusion restaurants...I know people make fun of "fusion" but I think it's often creative and unexpected....better than just a regular ol' pizza or Thai place. So I was all over the Korean and Latin fusion concept. I'm not sure how well it worked....the tostones were great, spicy with a pungent chimichuri sauce the Korean BBQ sandwich seemed like it might have been marinated too long and the blackened tilapia was just a bit too salty. The woman at the counter tried to describe several dishes but didn't seem to have a great grasp of the menu. All in all, it was an ok experience, I will definitely give it another shot.

  • 4.0 star rating
    1/19/2010

    The place is hip and minimal and the food, despite the fusion concept, does not disappoint. In fact, not only does this place serve the very best quickie Latino-Korean fusion but it also has SOFT SERVE.  It's affordable cuisine at its very best.

  • 4.0 star rating
    5/1/2012

    Awesome BYO place with delicious and unique cuisine.  I have been with girlfriend and a group of buddies, everyone has the same response...this place is DOPE!  Literally no bad dishes and I have tried most of them.  Ice cream was a great way to end the meal too!  Generally speaking you may have to wait awhile though...but what good place don't you?

  • 2.0 star rating
    1/14/2010

    Decor - the sign and name are not so welcoming.  Belly Shack?  Written graffiti style?  Not my thing.  The interior does not get better - it is cold and uninviting.
    The sandwiches we tried - tofu "jibarito" and lemongrass chicken.  Both were not good.  Tofu had not been marinated, so had no flavor.  Lemongrass chicken just had an odd taste, and the pita tasted burned, but was not...
    The brussel sprouts w/ chorizo were pretty good, as was the seasonal kimchee.
    I tried to order ice cream when we placed our order, but was told to place it separately, at the end of the meal.  That's a good way to lose money.  I did, and it was fine.  I love soft serve - but it didn't taste any different than soft serve I've had elsewhere with caramel sauce on top.

  • 4.0 star rating
    9/18/2010

    In a nutshell:

    Korean BBQ sandwich: thin slices of perfectly-marinated, tender beef with kimchi - overall a successful combination.  

    Asian meatball sandwich - meh. Not a fan of the lemongrass-y noodles in the middle of a sandwich.  The noodles sort of had a fruity pebbles taste to them.  Just not the sandwich for me, but maybe for others' tastebuds.

    Roasted sweet potatoes with maple syrup and Pho spices - ok.  Not what I expected, but still okay.  I think I would like these more if the skin was left on the sweet potato chunks.  We left wishing we had ordered the fries with curry mayonnaise.  Next time!

    Here's the kicker---

    Softserve ice cream with Vietnamese cinnamon and caramel---TO DIE FOR! This was seriously one of the best desserts I've had in a while.  My husband and I were licking the dish, trying to savor every last bit of the buttery caramel sauce.  I swear there is butter in the soft serve too.  I would travel from the West Loop to Belly Shack for this daily if my schedule (and waist) would allow it.  Holy cow.  This earns the place two extra stars in my book.

    I'll be back, but will skip on the meatball sandwich and sweet potatoes.

  • 5.0 star rating
    9/13/2010

    Korean-ish food. Ice cream with cinnamon? Amazing. Easy parking and byob? Better than amazing, I really love this place because although its a little pricey, it's quick, really good, and very accessible. The Korean BBQ with the side of kimchi is top notch. As is the greens and chorizo. Boom.

  • 5.0 star rating
    10/22/2009

    Yum.
    Roommate and I went by on opening night. Um, just a few blocks from our place, how could we pass it up?
    I ordered the Boricua: marinated tofu, black beans, brown rice and greens in between fried plantains. Supposedly a sandwich but it was so hardy I ate that bad boy with a fork. A great, strong mix of tastes, and the love of my life, fried plantains, was an awesome touch.
    Roommate got the Asian Meatball Sammich. Meatballs, noodles, and mint in between soft torta-looking bread. She thoroughly enjoyed it.
    We tried the brussel sprouts with chorizo; I am not a brussel sprouts fan. My roommate seems to think they are making a "comeback." I never knew they were 'gone,' but this side dish was so tasty, that I'll support the brussel sprouts movement.
    I tried to make room for the soft serve w/ bacon-chocolate-chip-cookies, but was too full. Staff was super nice, food was super good, I will be back.

  • 5.0 star rating
    9/8/2010

    Great food I just wish they have bigger portions. Our favorite is the tostones with the chimichuri ! The best!

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/26/2012

    This is a hip little place right under the Western L stop.  It's got a small menu, which I enjoy.  It's much better to do a few things right than have a huge menu.  I was the most impressed with their hot n sour soup.  It wasn't heavy or oily like many hot n sour soups.  It was light, with a nice pop of spices like cumin.  The hominy was also a great touch to the soup that added just the right amount of starchiness.

  • 2.0 star rating
    12/6/2009

    I'll keep this short and simple and get to the point. I ate there on Friday and the place seemed very pretentious. The staff was extremely nice and that was about it. I ordered the tilapia sandwich which was not a good idea. Don't get me wrong, if I see a fish sandwich on any menu....... I order it! I love my fish. The sauce on this sandwich was odd. For the tilapia, dried out! I'm saying it like this because I feel like I got robbed. Do you ever go to a restaurant and feel like your paying way to much?

  • 4.0 star rating
    4/8/2012

    A 5 star review is earned thru repeated visits, which is why im only giving this 4... Ive only been here once. But the meal i had is easily a 5 star. Quinoa salad, edemame side and honeysuckle lime smoothy were unbelievable.

  • 4.0 star rating
    5/18/2010

    Have been there once... and, am certain I will be going back a second time.  Ate the meatball sandwich.  I wasn't hungry upon ordering, but after tasting the first bite, I couldn't stop eating.  Friends tried other sandwiches and they were met with rave reviews.  Dessert was also scrumptious.

  • 4.0 star rating
    5/3/2010

    i had heard not so hot reviews, so its taken me a while to meander my way to the shack, but boy am i angry i ever listened to those idiots!  bill kim knows what he is doing!  yes the combo of latin food and korean is difficult to imagine, but thats his job, my job is to eat it all up happily.

    we had the beef bulgogi, which was juicy and tasty and served with the most aaamazing kimchi. i secretly wanted to order a huge tub to go home with. we also tried to vegetarian boriquen sandwich -- an asian take on the puerto rican classic. the plantains we starchy in contrast with the soft tofu and sauce-y veggies piled on top. it was super yum, but a bit messy. the togarashi fries stole my heart - served with a spicy aoile ,, i was in heaaavan. seriously i need to go back. we finished with the soft serve (something that everyone has always been raving about) we chose the huckleberry and lime. so tasty. mindy segal is a genius (which we already knew from eating at hot chocolate)

    get over your fears, get into the belly shack.. its not a joke. oh psss BOYB!!!!!!!!!!!

  • 3.0 star rating
    9/16/2010

    Tried the Tilapia, Kogi BBQ, Togarishi fries, and the bacon chocolate chip ice cream(went with a group). The food was ok...not something I'd crave for.

    It is pricey but BYOB is a plus.

Belly Shack - 227 Photos - Latin American - Logan Square - Chicago, IL - Reviews - Menu - Yelp
 

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  • 4.0 star rating
    1/29/2011

    Great, innovative food!! The menu is small but the huge flavor of the food makes up for it. There are a few vegetarian choices. I wish there were more. A bit pricey for a restaurant underneath the Blue Line but it's a great use of space. I will return, again and again.

  • 4.0 star rating
    11/2/2009

    I'm so happy to have Belly Shack right around the corner from my apartment! I can't comment on service or food timing, since we took everything to go, but the food is awesome.

    The soup is definitely not a traditional hot and sour (more like hot and sour meets tortilla soup), but it's really delicious. The meatballs are incredibly moist and tasty, and the Korean Kogi was really awesome, especially with the kimchi. Some people have complained because the sandwiches are in (or need to be put in) pita, but I thought they were great pitas at least (really soft and fluffy) and I didn't mind assembling my own sandwich.

    I agree that the prices are a little high (hence 4 instead of 5 stars), especially since it's all a la carte, but the food is really good. Can't wait to try everything else!

  • 3.0 star rating
    10/24/2009

    Got some takeout tonight from Belly Shack. Tried both the tofu/plantain sandwich and the meatball sandwich. Both were very flavorful and quite delicious. I find that with Urban Belly and Belly Shack, you need to order a couple items to truly satisfy if you're hungry. It's very light meal when you order one entree. I'll definitely be back. Wish they had a couple of full entrees rather than just sammys.

  • 4.0 star rating
    10/22/2009

    Great food.

    Slightly more expensive than I expected based on the press.

    Embarrassing Interior Decoration.  You guys do know that you are solidly in Bucktown, right?  It says Humboldt Park on the wall, but there is no way.  It also says other embarrassing platitudes.  I mean, I think we can all agree "more bike lanes" but why is it on your restaurant wall?  It's so phony.  But the phoniest, most annoying thing is the menu design.  "U kud lik dis" is a heading.

    I wasn't sure if it should get 3 or 4 stars, but for me, the food is the most important part, and it's such an improvement over Vella that I edged it up.

  • 5.0 star rating
    3/22/2010
    3 check-ins

    the hot dog is everything they say it is...and so much more. omg. is it love? i think so!

    and the bacon chocolate chip ice cream?  the salty to sweet ratio is divine. set aside your fears and just try it already! the bacon is not what you imagine - think fine crumb, not fatty slab.

    i want to try everything on the menu. i rarely say that about a restaurant. so kudos, belly shack.

  • 4.0 star rating
    5/22/2010

    Really enjoyed Belly Shack. The asian food to go is a very cool idea. First thing you notice is the size. It's a small place with seating for about 20. Luckily when I came it was pretty dead. I had the special for the day which was the Belly Dog. It was an outstanding hot dog with ramen-like noodles on it and a sweet/spicy sauce. It also came with some fries that had a nice asian heat to them. My wife had the Soma Noodle Salad which was nice, very light, perhaps a little too pricy for what it was. We didn't try the soft serve, but that leaves me something to try when I go back.

  • 4.0 star rating
    3/8/2012

    A great find! This is a really nice lunch spot (I envy those that can run to this place for lunch actually). Belly Shack left two lasting impressions on me. The first is the fact that their french fries are sprinkled with crack (seriously...the drug) and the dipping sauce is awesome. I honestly would go back just for that. The second was the amazing caramel that you can get on the soft serve...INSANE! Come here if you are looking for a nice cheap lunch packed with flavor.

  • 3.0 star rating
    12/18/2009

    I have been reluctant to go here, because I miss Vella Cafe so much.  It was a cold night and figured I would need to pick up some food on my way home and thought I'd give the Belly Shack a try.  I liked Urban Belly enough to give this sister restaurant a try.  I'd been missing out on Korean BBQ for a while and thought the Korean BBQ Kogi Sandwich sounded like a good idea.  I was surprised to see that it was more of pita bread pockets cut up in quarters was supposed to be the sandwich, and what I had in mind.  I was still open to the taste and flavor which I liked,  but it was messier for me to eat being so much smaller to hold with stuff falling out more easily.  The portion was also small for the $10 I paid.  I am not sure if I was full but felt so cheated that it made me unsatisified.  It just felt more like an appetizer than a meal or an entree.  Yea, it was a tease, that's what it was - like this is good but what next...  I guess if I am looking for something new and creative this is a good spot for that, but bump up the portion and I might make it more of a habit than a once in a while thing.

  • 5.0 star rating
    3/6/2012

    I guess i am a bit of a lunchtime food lover.  I loooove me some good lunch food.  A good lunch can make a bad day feel OK and make a good day great.  A bad lunch screws everything up.  So when i get around town for lunch i like to find some really cool spots.  Belly Shack is a very cool spot.  Having sampled the food at On Photon, the half acre holiday party way back when, i knew what i was getting into when i saw this place.  I love that it has shack in the name, and honestly looks pretty crappy from the outside.  But inside its a total hipster skateboard paradise.  The people who work there are cool, and above all the food is excellent!  Sometimes maybe a bit spicy for my weak pallet, but always very tasty.  So if your going to go see "A Nude Hope, star wars burlesque" @ gorilla tango, or waiting for the bus or train, or even live in Lincoln park and want to goto a cool spot a little outside of your comfort zone, Get Shacked up for lunch, you wont be disappointed!

  • 5.0 star rating
    12/2/2010

    Belly Shack offers a comfort food - gourmet style. It is the second offering of Chef Bill Kim. You can't go wrong with anything you order, with amazing taste profiles. My favorite item on the menu is the Belly Dog, which comes with Toragashi fries. The Belly Dog offers a modern take on the classic hot dog, with Asian flair. Save room for dessert, as you won't want to miss their soft serve ice cream selections, with gourmet toppings created by Chef Mindy Segal of Hot Chocolate. My favs are Vietnamese Caramel and Huckleberry Lime. It's also BYOB!

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/8/2010

    Delicious fusion between Cuban and Korean (Asian).  The hot and sour soup topped with the bean sprouts and spicy kick is a great starter.  I would recommend the asian meatball sandwich (or "sammich").  The kimchi salsa and noodles make the sandwich.  The soft serve with the bacon chocolate chip or cinnamon caramel or both would be the perfect dessert to end the meal.

  • 5.0 star rating
    11/15/2010

    Bill Kim does amazing things with food. This spot has quickly become one of my favorite eats in the city. Every few weeks, I gotta get my Belly Shack fix. Every dish is out of this world, but my favorites are the Asian meatball sandwich, the greens, and the cinnamon, caramel, ice cream dish.

    We hired Belly Shack to cater a corporate event for us, and they did phenomenal. All our clients freak'n loved the food.

  • 4.0 star rating
    11/20/2009

    casual with a little bit of fancy...
    i think that's how best to describe the food (but not so much the ambiance) of belly shack.  as far as ambiance, i'd go for "industrial" and "sleek".   and most items are served in fast food baskets.
    this is definitely fusion at its best without too much con-fusion.  simple flavors made complex by adding some asian flavor to asian ingredients (and vice versa).  my grilled tofu/brown rice was softly seasoned with black beans and a sweet marinade and sandwiched between (2) crispy plantain slices.  i loved how i could make out all of the tastes and textures - nothing was too overpowering.  i agree with some other yelpers though, grab a fork and knife - this got messy.   one word of caution though is that the plantain slices will fill your belly fast.  i couldn't even finish my beloved tostones (huge pieces and perfectly toasted).  the ice cream sounds WAY more exciting on paper (though fellow diner-friends really raved about their bacon topped ice cream!).  i'd head to DQ instead.

    one thing that was confusing... there is pic of a hot dog on the site but it's not offered at the restaurant?  does their menu change?

  • 4.0 star rating
    9/4/2010

    This was my second time there. I really liked the food there. The first time we ordered the Asian Meatballs and Korean BBQ Kogi. The way they created the food is really creative. This time I tried Boricua. From the description, I thought it will taste kind of plain, since they have Tofu there. However, it was actually really flavorful. I am not a vegetarian, but if you are. That is something you do not want to miss. However, this place is kind of pricy too me. $10 for a sandwich is too much. If the price is cheaper, I will defenitely give it a 5 stars.

  • 4.0 star rating
    4/30/2010

    This is a great place. Ask what's good when you order at the counter.  Then wait at your table and crack open a BYOB beer.  Worth checking out for sure.

  • 3.0 star rating
    2/15/2012

    asian meatball sandwich is just so good. if this place was open late night it would make a killing. its not much for atmosphere or location but when the food is that good -- who cares?

  • 4.0 star rating
    4/26/2010

    The food is REALLY good.  It's pricey, but I guess you get what you pay for.

  • 4.0 star rating
    4/12/2010

    ahhhh yesss.

    i've been here 6 or 7 times. and i've had everything on the menu except the boricua and the salads (it isn't very hard to get around to everything - there's a pretty limited menu). i've loved it all.

    bill kim has done amazing things with this place. the atmosphere is great - kind of street food casual feel. the food is amazing. and its BYO. what more could you ask for?

    the tilapia is by far the best dish (in my opinion). although the meatball sammich is a close second.

    for sides, the brussels sprouts with chorizo and the squash with pho spices are my two must haves. max and i order them every time we go.

    the prices are about a dollar or two more than what you would expect it to cost. but once you sit down to taste it, you'll realize why.

    definitely a true gem.

  • 4.0 star rating
    4/10/2010

    Only had the bulgogi/kimchi sandwich here, and I'm wishing I had the bellydog instead...I'll have to try it next time.  Anyway its a bit weird for my taste.  I understand that the bulgogi and kimchi flavors arent true as they need to be 'mitigated' to accomodate the mainstream, but my taste just couldnt reconcile the flavors...it wasnt bad...not a fan of this one though.  I'm pretty sure I'll like the bellydog tho.  I like the style of the place, clean and simple, and a fun creative menu is always appreciated here.

  • 4.0 star rating
    4/7/2010

    Great food, great ambience ( i love the set up), but the price.  Incredibly pricey for what you get.  I had the k-bbq sammwich, which was great, but not really worth its price point.

    The service was great though. What really sold me on the place though is the ice cream.  That alone has me believing heaven is on earth :)

  • 1.0 star rating
    11/20/2009

    it left a bad taste in my mouth -- pun intended.

    wow. i actually feel bad about how much i disliked belly shack. my visit did not consist of an over-the-top-bad-experience that is driving my one star review. in fact, i experienced normal service and the plates were served in a timely fashion exactly how they were intended to be served.
    this makes everything worse.

    we ordered the boricua--a nod to the traditional jibarito, the lemongrass chicken and a side of tostones with chimichurri. wow. it is absolutely rare that i don't eat my food (even when it is bad). i had a half of a half of the boricua. it was basically a slab of soft tofu, with brown rice, a bit of asparagus in between two greasy plantains with some really unappealing teriaki sauce. if you want a true jibarito, head up western and check out la cocina boricua. the lemon grass chicken. well, let's just say that i ate one strip of chicken and did not touch the rest of the sandwich from there. when i say i didn't touch anything more... i mean, nothing. the best thing about this place was the can of coke that i got with my meal. okay, fine... the kimchi was good--but the side that came with my sandwich was a heaping table spoon.

    lastly, i'm not a fan of the self service experience for the price we paid. (had the same thought on urban belly, so i should've seen that one coming) fusion restaurant gone wrong.

    they get one star because i liked the stools.

  • 5.0 star rating
    11/13/2009

    after too many friday nights of frozen pizza & movie rentals, i wanted to get out of my apartment for dinner and enjoy something delicious.  i didn't want to have to dress up, i wanted to enjoy a few glasses of wine without breaking the bank, and i wanted something quickly. belly shack answered the call.
    i came with a friend around 6pm and we had no wait.  they came by with wine glasses for our byob bottle of vino, and our food was out quite quickly.  everything was delicious, fresh, and flavorful. the general vibe of the restaurant is warm & friendly. communal tables and an open floor plan  make for an inviting atmosphere.
    dessert is a requirement - so very delicious.  

    it's one of those places you wish you could order the entire menu and have room to eat it all.  just a reason to return! again, and again, and again.

    bonus - had a top chef master celebrity sighting here too.... art smith!

  • 5.0 star rating
    2/22/2012

    This is my favorite "semi-fast food" restaurant in Chicago.  I love the Boricua sandwich- it has an amazing dressing with lots of flavor and the "bread" parts of the sandwich are made out of fried plantains.  I have gone here many times and I've never ordered anything but this, why mess with perfection?  However, I always have a taste of what my friends order and it's all good too.  Go here!

  • 5.0 star rating
    3/24/2012

    Don't go here for a quiet, romantic meal or a night out with the girls.  Go for a quick, diner experience and amazing, unique food.  I'm a vegetarian and love that they have options for me and my meat-loving husband.  The fries are ah-mazing: what is in that spectacular curry mayonnaise?!

  • 4.0 star rating
    11/23/2009

    I already can't wait to go back to try some other things! What a fun lunch this was with my good friend who was also super excited to try this place. We are both fans of Urban Belly so were anxious to give the Shack a shot as well.  Saturday afternoon, 1:30pm- no lines, no waiting. We both ordered the Korean BBq Gogi. It came with small pita pockets to make little sandwiches and stuff it with the kimchi and beef. Great flavors. The "ssam paste" is a delicious combo of soybean paste with hot pepper paste. YUM. We split an order of tostones- fried plantains, ok, twist my arm. I think she had one and I had the other ten. I loved the sweet salty combo. It went perfectly with the chilled Verdicchio we were drinking (BYOB). We are also both fans of day drinking. (Don't judge!) The other side we split was an order of brussel sprouts with chorizo. What an interesting combo! I like both sprouts and chorizo, so why not?! It was just a tad bit greasy, but delicious nonetheless. And of course I also had to try their hot and sour soup. I would come back just for this on a cold winter day. Heavenly. I believe I was licking my bowl at the end. I would have done that with or without the vino- it was just that good!
    Lastly, we decided to try a dessert. They are all toppings for soft serve ice cream, FYI. The Vietnamese Cinnamon Caramel rocked my world. It was warm but then got hard on top of the ice cream so it was like big spoonfuls of ooey gooey caramel.
    So many other things I need to try. I will totally be revisiting Belly Shack again sooner rather than later!

  • 4.0 star rating
    6/11/2010

    Just a 15min walk from my place. Very reasonably priced for a nice, casual, and unique spot. I've been a couple of times with friends and love it. I'll admit to ordering the same thing both times, a belly dog and apple soda, but hey, it was delicious and on both occasions I tried the food that my friends had ordered as well -so I have some variety! Great place and I'm looking forward to going again.

  • 4.0 star rating
    8/17/2010

    I come to Belly Shack at a recommendation of a friend.  Myself and 2 other guys came and were first a litle surprised that it was a little pricey.  But the offerings were very tasty!  I had the  Korean BBQ Kogi sandwich with Togarishi fries.  Another perk is that it's BYOB.

    While, I can't afford to come here often. I"m glad I did come to try it out and had a good time with good food!

  • 4.0 star rating
    8/6/2010

    I have eaten here once and only had the Korean BBQ beef sandwich. Having said that, the sandwich was great and I wish I had gotten two! I will definitely return.

  • 5.0 star rating
    10/8/2010

    This place rocks!  Everything on the menu is full of flavor and delicious.  The Korean beef (#1) is my favorite thing on the menu, but the Asian Meaballs is a very close second.  I really like their Hot & Sour soup as well.  The prices are very reasonable for the amount of and quality food you get.

    I hope this place expands into new neighborhoods.

  • 2.0 star rating
    7/31/2010

    After having the most amazing meal at Urban Belly, I wanted to love Urban Shack, but I didn't. The portions were tiny and there was too much bread to make them look bigger. The food was good, but it wasn't great. The service was quick and friendly, and Mr. Kim was there cooking and even delivered our food. I'm sad that it was just average.

  • 2.0 star rating
    10/29/2009

    I am not a sodium prude. Really, I'm not.  I eat all manner of salty foods every day -- bacon, chips, saltines, anchovies.  But the food at this place was so over the top salty that I found it inedible.  Which is too bad because underneath the saline are the most amazingly delicious flavors.  I'm so glad to have this popular new spot in our forlorn neighborhood.  We really need it.  But how does one tell a proud, successful chef that he needs to put less salt in his dishes and trust his flavors more?

  • 3.0 star rating
    2/1/2012

    The selection is okay. Cleanliness is ok. The service is ok. The best thing is the unique flavors.

  • 4.0 star rating
    5/13/2010

    So I've been wanting to go to Belly Shack ever since I became mildly obsessed with the spicy shrimp and tofu udon at Urban Belly.
    We got there around 6-ish (on a Wednesday), not crowded at all (around 7pm the place started to fill up). Really love the short and sweet menu and totally respect the policy about no substitutions. Chef Kim clearly has worked hard to develop the menu and the dishes, and he wants to present them to you as his vision, not yours, and the man knows (there are plenty of restaurants out there for picky eaters and picky eaters should frequent them).
    We had the Asian Meatball sammich, the Boricua, Tostones, Greens and Chorizo, and soft serve with Lime/Huckleberry topping. All was delicious, promptly served, very original, very high-quality ingredients. Yes, you may be paying more for a riff on street food, but it's super-fresh inventive street food.  BYOB is perfect for this unpretentious spot. We left with very full bellies.

  • 5.0 star rating
    3/4/2010

    I have been to Urban Belly, which I enjoyed emensly, However, when my roomate brought home some Belly Shack delights, I felt compelled to write a review. This guy works so hard to shop markets in the morning to bring the freshest ingredients to his restaurants, his instincts really show up in this latin~asian fusion delight. I can't wait to go here in person. Some of the items I cannot wait to try again include the hot dog (weird, but so good!), the fried plantains, I may need to hit this tonight....I am feeling a Belly Shack attack coming on. So addictive and unique, you really need to check this place out!

  • 4.0 star rating
    11/14/2009

    After trying Urban Belly, I was curious to see what the adorable couple had up their sleeve with Belly Shack - a latin american/asian fusion food theme with a side of LA. Love the communal tables, BYOB, and simplicity of the menu. I tried the Koren BBQ, blackened talapia, tostones, and brussel sprouts with chorizo and surprisingly the brussel sprouts won (these are definitely not your childhood nightmare boiled brussel sprouts). I'd say in the end, I'm a bigger fan of Urban Belly - more flavorful entrees and a warmer setting, but certainly worth experiencing.

  • 4.0 star rating
    4/24/2010

    There menu is very limited but very diverse. They have food of every type. They also have a weird combination of ice cream with chocolate chips and....BACON. It was a weird taste, but if you are up for something new and interesting this is the place for you. It was a bit pricey and the location is weird (under the train) but if you are in the go, this is the place for a quick bite. I do plan on coming here again, to try the different food they have.

  • 4.0 star rating
    11/13/2009

    i was a little skeptical about the korean and puerto rican food combo, but now i'm totally a fan! i had my first kimchi ever here and it was mouth-wateringly good. i loved the flavors. i also tried the really tender lemongrass chicken sammich. the bread-to-chicken ration was a little off but the flavors were delicious. my husband had the boricua sammich and it was awesome. we finished up with the mint brownie soft serve with toppings made by mindy segal of hot chocolate. there was nothing not to like here. i thought the prices were fine for what you get. i kind of wish there were servers, etc. but i didn't mind the counter ordering. while i do miss vella, this is one of the only replacements i can imagine that makes me okay with the change.

    must try: seasonal kimchi

    good to eat: boricua sammich

  • 5.0 star rating
    12/3/2009

    .. been having a craving for something new in the area that catered to my fave foods, Puerto Rican and Asian.  Belly Shack got it right with their own fusion of the two ... the food is fresh and very flavorful!!! .... tostones are my favorite! The desserts are DE-LISH and everything in between rocks! Thanks for coming to MY neck of the woods ... now I have a new fave place to get my eat on!

  • 5.0 star rating
    2/19/2012

    I LOVE this place! I always order the same thing because it's so delicious, organic brown rice with beef and tostones, but i have some of the other stuff the rest of my friends order and its just as tasty. I don't live too close but i definitely take a drive here because its so worth it! The decor is super hip and urban and comfortable and the service is great!

  • 4.0 star rating
    3/10/2010

    Loved the delicious interesting flavors.  I had the korean bbq sandwich, rice and Brussels sprouts, all were amazing!